What is the purpose of meiosis? How does the cell do the following: reduce the chromosome number in half and create genetically different cells?

2 cells meet and the number of chromosomes becomes equivalent to the somatic cell.

Explanation:

In meiosis crossing over occurs and the number of chromosomes divided or remain half as compared to a somatic cell which is called Haploid (n). When two haploid cell meets than diploid (2n) cell formed which further transforms into a zygote. So, the purpose of meiosis is the cross over which creates genetic variation among individuals and reduced the number of chromosomes into the half. Because if the number of chromosomes remains the same as (2n) and (2n) meets and becomes 4n. Which is the wrong pattern so nature keeps this balance in a unique manner that (n) and (n) meets and form (2n).