Meiosis.

• A. Two diploid cells
• B. Four haploid cells
• C. Four genetically different haploid cells
• D. Four diploid cells

Answer: (C)

Meiosis is about reducing chromosome number and generating genetic diversity in the gametes. After the DNA is replicated, the cell divides twice to produce four daughter cells. Each of these cells has half the original chromosome number (haploid), and their genetic content is shuffled due to crossing over and independent assortment, so they are genetically different from one another.

That’s why the best choice is four genetically different haploid cells: four products, each with half the chromosomes and unique combinations of alleles. The idea that meiosis makes two diploid cells or four diploid cells is incorrect because the division halves the chromosome number, and four haploid cells with differing genetic makeup reflect the diversity created during meiosis. A statement that merely says four haploid cells is incomplete because it doesn’t acknowledge the genetic variation produced.