Meiosis allows for increased genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment. These processes result in daughter cells that are non-identical to the original parent cell. Crossing over describes the exchange of portions of DNA between homologous chromosomes, generating unique allelic combinations. Independent assortment means that the daughter cells of meiosis will have a mixture of genetic material from each set of the organism's alleles, representing DNA from both the mother and father sets of genes. The product of meiosis is four daughter cells that are genetically unique.

Each daughter cell of meiosis has only one copy of each gene, meaning that they are haploid. Only gametes (sex cells) undergo meiosis, allowing for sexual reproduction. The fusion of two haploid gametes results in a diploid cell.

Meiosis is the process that creates gametes (eggs and sperm). The cell divides twice, creating 4 unique daughter cells that contain half (haploid) of the genetic information of the parent cell. Somatic cells are body cells and they are produced via mitosis.

Cellular respiration is composed of many steps used to break down glucose and convert the chemical energy into ATP. Of the four steps described in the answer choices, oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain is the most effective step for producing ATP. The electron transport chain can produce between 32 and 38 ATP from a single glucose molecule.

Glycolysis is the first step of glucose breakdown in cells. This process takes place in the cytosol.

The second step of cellular respiration, the citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. The third step, the electron transport chain, takes place on the inner mitochondrial membrane and requires protons to be concentrated within the intermembrane space.

Glycolysis is the first step in cell metabolism. It is responsible for converting glucose (a 6-carbon sugar) into two molecules of pyruvate (a 3-carbon sugar). Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, where the sugar molecules interact directly with enzymes. After pyruvate is created, it is transported to the mitochondria for the remainder of cellular respiration (the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain).

Though plants undergo photosynthesis, they also use cellular respiration. Glycolysis takes place in both animal and plant cells.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use the sun's energy to convert water  and carbon dioxide  into glucose  and oxygen .

The equation  is the equation for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration happens inside the mitochondria and chloroplast for those cells containing chloroplasts.

The plasma membrane of the cell acts as a semi-permeable barrier, regulating what can enter and exit the cell. Only small, nonpolar molecules are able to cross the membrane via diffusion, without the assistance of protein channels. Larger molecules will be blocked, as will molecules that are charged or polar.

This principle is true for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and is not affected by the presence of a cell wall. Virtually all organic molecules contain carbon and hydrogen; the presence of these atoms will not affect the molecule's ability to cross the membrane.

A hypertonic solution will have a higher solute concentration than the cell. To reach equilibrium, water must flow so that the concentration fo the solution is equal to the concentration of the cell. In order for this to happen, water must enter the solution, diluting it and reducing the concentration. Water will flow out of the cell and into the solution.

Note that the membrane of the cell will prevent ions from crossing.

Homeostasis describes the resistance of the body to change and serves to reinforce equilibrium. Concentration of ions and water in the blood and regulation of body temperature are examples of homeostatic regulation. These processes must be tightly regulated and maintained in order for the body to operate.

Negative feedback reinforces equilibrium and plays a key role in homeostasis. In a negative feedback system, deviations from equilibrium trigger processes that serve to return the body back to equilibrium. In contrast, a positive feedback system will respond to deviations from equilibrium by enhancing the changes, deviating farther and farther from the equilibrium state.

Hormones can play a key role in maintaining homeostasis, but many other molecules also help return the body to equilibrium.