Question

How does the number of chromosomes remain constant in sexually reproducing organisms?

Answer 1

Meiosis

1. Meiosis is a process that occurs in the cells of reproductive organs.
2. As a result of meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced to half in the daughter cells.
3. Meiosis produces gametes (sperm and ova).

The number of chromosomes remain constant in sexually reproducing organisms because-

1. Meiosis occurs in the gonads (testes and ovaries) to produce sperm and ova by gametogenesis.
2. Meiosis reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes to half, ensuring that the number of chromosomes in a species remains constant.
3. In humans, the gametogenesis process produces sperm and egg with 23 chromosomes.
4. Fertilization of egg and sperm restores the number of chromosomes in the zygote (46 or 23 pairs)