What is the purpose of meiosis?

The purpose of meiosis is to make sex cells, also known as gametes (sperm and eggs). This process is crucial for sexual reproduction because it reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to gametes that have only one set of chromosomes. When two gametes fuse during fertilization, they restore the diploid chromosome number in the resulting zygote, thus ensuring genetic diversity and stability across generations.

Meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, which include several stages that promote genetic variation through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment. This not only contributes to the unique genetic makeup of offspring but also plays a vital role in evolution and population dynamics.

Other processes, such as creating new tissues, regenerating lost limbs, or repairing damaged cells, are not functions of meiosis; they are associated with mitosis or other biological repair mechanisms in organisms.