Which type of cell division produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms?

Meiosis is the type of cell division responsible for producing reproductive cells, known as gametes, in sexually reproducing organisms. This process is critical for sexual reproduction because it halves the chromosome number, ensuring that when fertilization occurs, the resulting offspring has the correct diploid number of chromosomes.

During meiosis, a diploid cell undergoes two rounds of division, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid cells. This genetic variation is essential for evolution and adaptability in a population. The phases of meiosis include meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes are separated, and meiosis II, where sister chromatids are separated, much like in mitosis but resulting in four non-identical cells instead of two identical ones.

This distinction is vital in understanding the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction, as it contributes to genetic diversity and allows for the potential combination of traits from two parents, which is fundamental to the evolutionary process.