Question

Why does meiosis only occur in diploid cells (on in cells with homologous pairs of chromosomes, such as 4N cells)?

Answer 1

Ans:As meosis is a reduction division , chromosome number gets halved.As diploid cells having chromosome no 2n ,undergo reduction leading to the formation of haploid cells stage chromosome no n.These haploid cells are the gametes .These gametes of opposite sex then fuse with each other in the process of fertilisation leading to the formation of zygote cell 2n.I t is necessary that both gamete cells ( sperm and ovum)are haploid ,so that offspring is produced who is diploid 2n.

The zygote divides mitotically .So diploid cells can only undergo meotic division but not the haploid cells.

If meotic division division happens in haploid cells how ca.n offspring be produced who will be 2n