What is the process of meiosis?

Meiosis is specifically the process by which sex cells, or gametes, are produced in sexually reproducing organisms. This type of cell division results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell, which is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number across generations when fertilization occurs.

In the context of reproduction, meiosis reduces the chromosome number to create haploid cells, unlike mitosis, which maintains the original chromosome number by producing diploid cells. The unique mechanism of meiosis, which involves two consecutive divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II), contributes to genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment. This genetic variation is important for evolution and adaptation within populations.

Other options refer to processes that do not characterize meiosis. The division of muscle cells pertains to a different type of cell division called mitosis, while replication of DNA is a precursor event that occurs prior to cell division, and formation of hormones is unrelated to the process of meiosis.