This human cell reproduction which results in a gamete/sex cell. In meiosis only half the chromosomes are present.

• A. Cytokinesis
• B. Fertilization
• C. Meiosis
• D. Mitosis

Answer: (C)

Forming gametes by reducing the chromosome number is what meiosis does. In humans, a germ cell starts with a full set of chromosomes (diploid) and divides twice to produce gametes that have half the number (haploid). This is why sperm or egg cells each contain 23 chromosomes, so fertilization restores the full complement when they join. Meiosis includes two successive divisions (meiosis I and II) and creates genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment. This distinguishes it from mitosis, which preserves chromosome number and makes two identical diploid cells for growth or repair. Cytokinesis is the cytoplasmic division that accompanies cell division in both processes, and it doesn’t define the type of division. Fertilization is the fusion of two gametes, not a division event. So the description—producing a gamete and halving the chromosome number—fits meiosis best.