ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Pathophysiology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs solely for the purpose of producing gametes, which are the reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms. In males, meiosis results in the formation of sperm cells, while in females, it leads to the production of ova (egg cells).

The key feature of meiosis is that it reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to four genetically distinct cells from one original cell. This occurs through two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II. Each of these divisions includes stages that promote genetic variation, such as crossing over during prophase I, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes.

In contrast, blood cells, muscle cells, and skin cells are produced through mitosis, which is the process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, maintaining the same chromosome number as the parent cell. Mitosis is responsible for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms, while meiosis is solely focused on generating the gametes required for sexual reproduction. Hence, the correct answer highlights the unique outcome of meiosis in producing sperm and ova.