How much DNA from parents do cells from meiosis have?

• A. Double the parent's DNA
• B. Half of the parent's DNA
• C. Same as parent
• D. Three times

Answer: (B)

Meiosis halves the amount of DNA because it reduces the chromosome number. A diploid cell has two sets of chromosomes, so it contains more DNA than a cell with just one set. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate first, then sister chromatids separate, producing gametes that carry only one copy of each chromosome. That means each gamete has half as much DNA as the original cell, even though the genetic material is shuffled by crossing over. So the cells produced by meiosis contain half the parent’s DNA. Doubling, staying the same, or tripling would not align with the reduction division that meiosis performs.