Question

Identify the cell division in which the number of chromosomes is reduced to half.

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Somatic cell division
• D. Interphase

Hint:

Mitosis: \[ 2n \rightarrow 2n \] (Number of chromosomes remains the same.) Meiosis: \[ 2n \rightarrow n \] (Number of chromosomes is reduced by half.)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Meiosis is called reduction division because it reduces the chromosome number from diploid (\(2n\)) to haploid (\(n\)).

Step 1: Understand meiosis.
During meiosis, \[ 2n \longrightarrow n. \] Thus, the chromosome number becomes half.

Step 2: Compare with other options.

• Meiosis -- Reduces chromosome number by half. \checkmark
• Mitosis -- Maintains the same chromosome number.
• Somatic cell division -- Refers to mitosis.
• Interphase -- Cell growth stage; no cell division occurs.

Step 3: Final conclusion.
Hence, the required cell division is \[ \boxed{\text{Meiosis}.} \]