What type of cell reproduction results in four daughter cells?

The process of meiosis is specifically designed to produce four genetically distinct daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell, a process known as haploid. This is crucial in sexual reproduction, as it leads to the formation of gametes—sperm and eggs in animals.

Meiosis consists of two sequential divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated into two daughter cells, each receiving one chromosome from each pair. Then, in meiosis II, which resembles mitosis, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are separated, resulting in a total of four haploid cells.

This mechanism is fundamental for maintaining the chromosome number across generations during sexual reproduction, where fertilization restores the diploid state in the resulting zygote. Therefore, meiosis is the correct answer when discussing cell reproduction that results in four daughter cells.