Question

which statement correctly describes the cells produced by meiosis?

the new cells are identical

the new cells are exact copies of the original cell

the genetic material of the original cell is divided among the new cells

the genetic material of the new cells is diploid

Explanation:

1. Analyze "The new cells are identical": Meiosis produces genetically diverse cells (due to crossing over and independent assortment), so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze "The new cells are exact copies of the original cell": Mitosis produces exact copies, while meiosis produces cells with half the genetic material, so this is incorrect.
3. Analyze "The genetic material of the original cell is divided among the new cells": Meiosis involves two divisions, resulting in four cells with half the original cell's genetic material (the original genetic material is distributed among these new cells), so this is correct.
4. Analyze "The genetic material of the new cells is diploid": Meiosis produces haploid cells (n), while diploid (2n) is the original cell's ploidy (in most cases for meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

The option "The genetic material of the original cell is divided among the new cells" (the third option in the list)