The paradox of meiosis is

Options

A. Conservation of specific chromosome number from generation to generation
B. Produces four haploid cell after meiosis II
C. It is a double division
D. Does not involve DNA replication

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid gametes from a diploid parent cell. This process is essential for sexual reproduction.

2. **Definition of the Paradox**: The paradox of meiosis refers to the conservation of a specific chromosome number from generation to generation despite the reduction in chromosome number during gamete formation.

3. **Diploid vs. Haploid**: In sexually reproducing organisms, the parent cell is diploid (2n), meaning it has two sets of chromosomes. Meiosis produces haploid (n) gametes, which contain only one set of chromosomes.

4. **Gamete Formation**: During meiosis, the diploid parent cell undergoes two rounds of division (meiosis I and meiosis II) without an intervening round of DNA replication. This results in four haploid cells from one diploid cell.

5. **Fertilization**: When two haploid gametes (one from each parent) fuse during fertilization, they restore the diploid chromosome number in the zygote. This ensures that the offspring have the same chromosome number as the parents.

6. **Importance of Meiosis**: Meiosis is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and stability across generations. It helps avoid chromosomal errors and ensures that the chromosome number remains constant through generations.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the paradox of meiosis is fundamentally about how it allows for the reduction of chromosome number in gametes while ensuring that the overall chromosome number remains constant across generations through fertilization.