What is the purpose of meiosis, how does the cell reduce the chromosome number in half and what are the three ways that genetically different cells are made. Be sure to explain the ways and not just list them.

The purpose of meiosis is to produce gametes, which are used for sexual reproduction.

The cell reduces its chromosome number in half via a series of complex events. These events are summarised into two main groups: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, with each group encompassing several different events.

One way is : 1) Meiosis; the end product is 4 genetically different haploid cells.

Explanation:

Gametes are haploid cells that have only one set of chromosomes. As opposed to Somatic cells which contain two sets of chromosomes (these are known as diploid cells).

In Meiosis I, crossing over occurs during the event known as Prophase I. Crossing over is the process where non-sister chromatids exchange genetic information with one another. The site where this occurs between the chromatids is known as the chiasma.