OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is created at the end of meiosis?

1. Two diploid cells

2. Four haploid cells

3. One diploid cell

4. Two haploid cells

The correct answer is: Four haploid cells

At the end of meiosis, four haploid cells are produced. Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, generating gametes (sperm and eggs). During the process, a single diploid germ cell undergoes two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, resulting in two cells that each contain half the original number of chromosomes, but still as diploid cells. In meiosis II, these two cells undergo division again, separating sister chromatids, which leads to the formation of four distinct haploid cells. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for maintaining genetic stability across generations when gametes fuse during fertilization. Thus, the characteristic feature of meiosis is the production of four genetically varied haploid cells, which is essential for sexual reproduction.