Which cell type is produced by meiosis and used in sexual reproduction?

Which cell type is produced by meiosis and used in sexual reproduction?

• A. Gamete
• B. Zygote
• C. Somatic cell
• D. Stem cell

Answer: (A)

Meiosis produces haploid cells that participate in sexual reproduction. These cells are called gametes. They carry half the number of chromosomes of the organism’s body (one set instead of two), which is essential for maintaining the species’ chromosome number when two gametes fuse during fertilization. In animals, examples are sperm and egg; in plants, pollen and ovules function similarly. A zygote, by contrast, is formed when two gametes fuse, so it is produced by fertilization, not directly by meiosis. Somatic cells arise through mitosis, not meiosis. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various cell types, and their production isn’t the defining outcome of meiosis.

Meiosis produces haploid cells that participate in sexual reproduction. These cells are called gametes. They carry half the number of chromosomes of the organism’s body (one set instead of two), which is essential for maintaining the species’ chromosome number when two gametes fuse during fertilization. In animals, examples are sperm and egg; in plants, pollen and ovules function similarly.

A zygote, by contrast, is formed when two gametes fuse, so it is produced by fertilization, not directly by meiosis. Somatic cells arise through mitosis, not meiosis. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various cell types, and their production isn’t the defining outcome of meiosis.