The process by which the chromosomes are separated in the sex cells and their number reduced from the diploid to the haploid condition is known as

Options

A. Division
B. Mitosis
C. Conjugation
D. Meiosis

Explanation

The process by which the chromosomes are separated in the sex cells and their number is reduced from the diploid to the haploid condition is known as **meiosis**.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Chromosome Number**:
- In organisms, cells typically have a diploid (2n) number of chromosomes, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

2. **Definition of Meiosis**:
- Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid (n) cells from one diploid cell.

3. **Process of Meiosis**:
- Meiosis consists of two sequential divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
- In Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
- In Meiosis II, the sister chromatids are separated, similar to mitosis, but the cells remain haploid.

4. **Outcome of Meiosis**:
- The end result of meiosis is the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs in animals) that have half the number of chromosomes, which is crucial for sexual reproduction.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct term for the process that reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid in sex cells is **meiosis**.