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What is the chromosome number of the gametes produced by meiosis compared to the parent cell?
publish date: 2026/06/16 11:19:5.182685 UTC
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A key outcome of meiosis is the change in chromosome number in the resulting cells.
If the parent cell is diploid (2n), what is the chromosome number of each gamete produced?
Correct Answer
Half the diploid number - haploid (n)
Explanation
Meiosis halves the chromosome number. A diploid (2n) parent cell produces haploid (n) gametes - each with half the number of chromosomes. In humans, for example, body cells have 46 chromosomes (2n), while sperm and egg cells each have 23 chromosomes (n).
Reference
Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide