Question

multiple choice question
the process of ______ produces haploid cells that begin the haploid generation.
o fertilization
o binary fission
o meiosis
o syngamy

Explanation:

• Fertilization: It is the process of fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) to form a diploid zygote. So it does not produce haploid cells.
• Binary fission: It is a form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes (like bacteria) where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. The daughter cells have the same genetic content as the parent cell (usually diploid in the context of organisms with complex life - cycles).
• Meiosis: It is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. It starts with a diploid cell and produces four haploid cells. These haploid cells can then develop into the haploid generation (e.g., in plants, the spores produced by meiosis develop into the gametophyte (haploid) generation).
• Syngamy: It is another term for fertilization, which results in a diploid cell.

Answer:

meiosis