Meiotic cell division is also termed as reduction division because of

Options

A. Involvement of gametes
B. Doubling of chromosomes
C. Elimination of chromosomes
D. Number of chromosomes becomes halved.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms. It results in the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs) and is crucial for sexual reproduction.

2. **Definition of Reduction Division**: The term "reduction division" refers to the process where the chromosome number is reduced by half. This is a key characteristic of meiosis.

3. **Chromosome Number in Parent and Daughter Cells**: In humans, for example, somatic (body) cells have a diploid number of chromosomes, which is 46. During meiosis, the chromosome number is halved, resulting in gametes that have a haploid number of 23 chromosomes.

4. **Phases of Meiosis**: Meiosis consists of two main phases: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. The reduction in chromosome number occurs during Meiosis I, specifically in the anaphase I stage, where homologous chromosomes are separated.

5. **Conclusion**: Since meiosis results in the halving of the chromosome number in the daughter cells compared to the parent cell, it is termed a "reduction division."

**Final Answer**: Meiotic cell division is termed as reduction division because the number of chromosomes becomes half in the daughter cells compared to the parent cell.

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