Question

Why is meiosis referred to as an antithesis of fertilization?

Answer 1

Meiosis is the antithesis of fertilization

1. Fertilization creates a diploid zygote, whereas meiosis creates haploid cells that ultimately develop into gametes. Meiosis is therefore described as the opposite or antithesis of fertilization.
2. The process of fusion of the female ovum with the male sperm, or gamete results in the formation of a diploid zygote which has 2n chromosomes.
3. Meiosis is a kind of cell division that results in the production of four haploid gamete cells (n chromosomes) and a 50% reduction in the number of chromosomes in the parent cell. To develop egg and sperm cells for sexual reproduction, this procedure is necessary.
4. The haploid egg and sperm formed as a result of meiosis are the cells that take part in fertilization to fuse and form a diploid zygote.