Cell division for gamete production (sperm and eggs) happens in the gonads. This process is:

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Binary fission
• D. Budding

Answer: (A)

Meiosis is the process used to make gametes because it halves the chromosome number, producing haploid sperm or eggs required for sexual reproduction. In the gonads, a germ cell duplicates its DNA and then goes through two successive divisions—meiosis I and meiosis II—so one diploid cell yields four haploid gametes. The two rounds of division are paired with genetic reshuffling: crossing over in prophase I creates new allele combinations, and the orientation of chromosome pairs during meiosis I leads to independent assortment. This genetic variation is essential for offspring to differ from their parents. In contrast, mitosis makes diploid somatic cells for growth and repair and preserves chromosome number, not suitable for producing gametes. Binary fission and budding are forms of asexual reproduction found in other organisms and do not generate gametes.