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The purpose of meiosis is to divide the number of chromosomes in gamete cells (spermatazoa and oocytes) to the haploid number (23 chromosomes). Meiosis ensures the proper number of chromosomes to form a zygote, which is 46 chromosomes (diploid number), during fertilization. Essentially, somatic cells (all other cells except gamete cells) require 46 chromosomes. 23 of these come from the mother and the other 23 from the father. During fertilization, the sperm and oocyte containing the haploid number come together to produce the diploid number. Thus, without mieosis, sexual reproduction would result in zygotes with twice the number of chromosomes (and would continue exponentially)... something that would cause deformities and/or death of the future fetus.

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