What is the purpose of meiosis?

The primary purpose of meiosis is to reduce the chromosome number in cells for the production of gametes, which are essential for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, a diploid cell undergoes two rounds of division, resulting in four haploid cells, each containing half the original number of chromosomes. This reduction is crucial because it ensures that when gametes (sperm and egg cells) fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid chromosome number. This process also promotes genetic diversity through mechanisms such as crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis.

In contrast, creating identical daughter cells relates to mitosis, where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical cells, maintaining the same chromosome number. The processes of repairing damaged cells and facilitating cellular respiration are functions related to cellular processes like mitosis and metabolism, rather than meiosis.