Daughter cells formed as a result of meiosis are not similar to that of parent cell because

Options

A. Meiosis is completed in two stages
B. Prophase is the longest phase
C. Nucleus size increases in daughter cells
D. Crossing over takes place and chromosome number is halved

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 formation of four genetically distinct daughter cells from one parent cell. This process is essential for sexual reproduction.

2. **Reduction Division**: Meiosis is often referred to as a "reduction division" because it reduces the diploid number (2n) of chromosomes in the parent cell to a haploid number (n) in the daughter cells. This is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number across generations when gametes fuse during fertilization.

3. **Stages of Meiosis**: Meiosis consists of two main stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each of these stages has several phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prophase I is particularly important as it is the longest phase and involves significant events that contribute to genetic diversity.

4. **Crossing Over**: During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of genetic material in a process known as crossing over. This exchange of genetic material results in new combinations of alleles, leading to genetic variation among the daughter cells.

5. **Genetic Variation**: The daughter cells formed at the end of meiosis are not identical to the parent cell or to each other due to the crossing over that occurs during prophase I. This genetic variation is a key reason why offspring can have different traits from their parents.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the daughter cells formed as a result of meiosis are not similar to the parent cell primarily because of the crossing over that occurs between homologous chromosomes and the reduction in chromosome number.

**Final Answer**: Daughter cells formed as a result of meiosis are not similar to that of the parent cell because crossing over takes place and the chromosome number is halved.

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