Which term describes the process that halves the chromosome number during cell division?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Prophase
• C. Fertilization
• D. Fungi

Answer: (A)

Meiosis is the process that halves the chromosome number. In sexually reproducing organisms, DNA is replicated and the cell then goes through two division rounds. In the first division, homologous chromosomes are separated, which reduces the chromosome count from diploid to haploid. In the second division, the sister chromatids are separated, producing four haploid cells. This reduction is essential so that fertilization (the fusion of two gametes) restores the diploid chromosome number in the offspring. Prophase is just a stage within division, not the whole process; fertilization is the fusion of gametes, and fungi refers to a group of organisms, not a division process.