How does meiosis function in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis produces haploid gametes that fuse during fertilisation to form a diploid zygote.

Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in the reproductive organs of sexually reproducing organisms. It involves two rounds of cell division, resulting in the production of four haploid daughter cells. These daughter cells are genetically distinct from the parent cell and from each other, due to the random assortment of chromosomes and crossing over that occurs during meiosis.

The haploid daughter cells produced by meiosis are called gametes, and they are the cells that are involved in sexual reproduction. Gametes from two different individuals fuse during fertilisation to form a diploid zygote. The zygote then undergoes mitosis to produce a multicellular organism with a unique combination of genetic traits from both parents.

Meiosis is important for sexual reproduction because it ensures genetic diversity in offspring. The random assortment of chromosomes and crossing over during meiosis means that each gamete produced is genetically unique. When two gametes fuse during fertilisation, the resulting zygote has a combination of genetic traits that is different from either parent. This genetic diversity is important for the survival of a species, as it allows for adaptation to changing environments and resistance to disease.