Which process results in daughter cells with half the original chromosome number?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Binary fission
• D. Budding

Answer: (B)

Meiosis is the process that reduces the chromosome number by half, preparing gametes for sexual reproduction. It involves two rounds of division: the first separates homologous chromosomes, halving the chromosome count, and the second divides sister chromatids, yielding four haploid cells. This contrasts with mitosis, which produces two genetically identical diploid cells and keeps the chromosome number the same; binary fission, typical of prokaryotes, copies the genome and splits without halving; and budding, an asexual method where new individuals form from outgrowth and does not inherently halve chromosome number. In humans, starting from diploid cells with 46 chromosomes, meiosis produces gametes with 23 each.