Meiosis involves all the following EXCEPT

Analyze the question: We need the one statement that does NOT describe meiosis.

Concept: Meiosis is the cell division that produces gametes (sex cells). Its key features are:

• Two successive nuclear divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II).
• Crossing over in prophase I, which is the exchange of genetic material (genes) between homologous chromosomes.
• Four daughter cells are produced, not two.
• Each daughter cell is haploid (n), with half the chromosome number of the parent cell (2n).

Checking each option:

• A. Exchange of genes: True. Crossing over happens during prophase I.
• B. Production of cells with diploid number of chromosomes: False. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid. Producing diploid cells is a feature of mitosis.
• C. Production of cells with haploid number of chromosomes: True. This is the main purpose of meiosis.
• D. Production of two daughter cells: Not accurate for the complete process, since meiosis ends with four cells. However, after meiosis I, two cells are formed, so it is sometimes loosely described that way, as an intermediate stage.
• E. Two nuclear divisions: True. Meiosis I and meiosis II.

Deciding between B and D: Strictly, meiosis gives four cells, so D is also imperfect. But the question asks what meiosis does not involve. Meiosis does involve a two-cell stage (the end of meiosis I), so D can be accepted as involved. B, however, contradicts the entire purpose of meiosis, because the final cells are never diploid.

Answer: B

Exam tip: Remember "Meiosis = Minus": it cuts the chromosome number in half (2n → n), makes 4 cells, and has 2 divisions. Mitosis keeps the diploid number and makes 2 identical cells. If an option says meiosis gives diploid cells, it is almost certainly the "EXCEPT" answer.