Which cell division results in a haploid number (N) of chromosomes?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Cytokinesis
• C. Interphase
• D. Meiosis

Answer: (D)

Meiosis is the process that reduces the chromosome number to haploid, which is essential for producing gametes for sexual reproduction. In meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair and then separate during the first division, so each resulting cell has one chromosome from each pair, halving the chromosome number. A second division further separates sister chromatids, but the number of chromosomes remains at haploid levels in the gametes formed. After fertilization, two haploids fuse to restore the diploid state.

Mitosis, by contrast, preserves chromosome number, yielding diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent. Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that accompanies cell division and does not by itself change the chromosome count. Interphase is the phase where the cell grows and DNA is replicated before division.