Which process helps maintain chromosome number across generations during sexual reproduction?

Which process helps maintain chromosome number across generations during sexual reproduction?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Binary Fission
• D. Apoptosis

Answer: (B)

Meiosis is the process critical for maintaining chromosome number across generations during sexual reproduction. It occurs in germ cells and is distinctive because it reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid gametes (sperm and eggs). When these gametes fuse during fertilization, they restore the diploid chromosome number in the resulting zygote. This ensures that the species maintains a consistent chromosome count across generations, which is vital for genetic stability and the continuation of species. In contrast, mitosis primarily serves for growth and repair in somatic cells and does not reduce chromosome number; instead, it results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction found in prokaryotes where one organism splits into two, which does not involve the processes necessary for maintaining chromosome number across generations in sexual reproduction. Apoptosis is the programmed cell death that removes damaged or unnecessary cells and does not contribute to gamete formation or the maintenance of chromosome number. Thus, meiosis is the key process that ensures the proper distribution of chromosomes from one generation to the next during sexual reproduction.

Meiosis is the process critical for maintaining chromosome number across generations during sexual reproduction. It occurs in germ cells and is distinctive because it reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid gametes (sperm and eggs). When these gametes fuse during fertilization, they restore the diploid chromosome number in the resulting zygote. This ensures that the species maintains a consistent chromosome count across generations, which is vital for genetic stability and the continuation of species.

In contrast, mitosis primarily serves for growth and repair in somatic cells and does not reduce chromosome number; instead, it results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction found in prokaryotes where one organism splits into two, which does not involve the processes necessary for maintaining chromosome number across generations in sexual reproduction. Apoptosis is the programmed cell death that removes damaged or unnecessary cells and does not contribute to gamete formation or the maintenance of chromosome number. Thus, meiosis is the key process that ensures the proper distribution of chromosomes from one generation to the next during sexual reproduction.