How is meiosis linked to the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms?

Meiosis is linked to the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms as it produces haploid gametes for sexual reproduction.

Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This process is crucial in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms as it produces the gametes, or sex cells, that are necessary for sexual reproduction. These gametes are haploid, meaning they contain one set of chromosomes, unlike the diploid cells of the organism, which contain two sets.

In the life cycle of a sexually reproducing organism, two haploid gametes - one from each parent - combine during fertilisation to form a diploid zygote. This zygote then undergoes mitosis, a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, to grow and develop into a new organism. Without meiosis to produce haploid gametes, sexual reproduction and thus the continuation of the species would not be possible.

The process of meiosis also introduces genetic variation among the offspring. This is because during meiosis, chromosomes can exchange genetic material in a process called crossing over. Additionally, the way the chromosomes line up before they are separated is random, leading to different combinations of genes in the gametes. This genetic variation is crucial for the survival and evolution of species, as it allows for adaptation to changing environments.

In summary, meiosis is a fundamental process in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms. It not only enables sexual reproduction by producing haploid gametes, but also introduces genetic variation among the offspring, which is key for the survival and evolution of species.