Which statement correctly describes meiosis?

• A. Meiosis: two divisions forming four genetically different cells.
• B. Mitosis: two divisions forming four genetically identical cells.
• C. Mitosis: one division forming two identical cells.
• D. Meiosis: replication of DNA without division.

Answer: (C)

Meiosis creates gametes by halving the chromosome number through two cell divisions, producing four haploid cells that are usually genetically different. This combination of two divisions (meiosis I and II) and the resulting four non-identical haploid cells explains why meiosis not only reduces chromosome number but also promotes genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment. The other descriptions either refer to mitosis (one division producing two identical cells) or describe DNA replication without division, which aren’t accurate for meiosis.