Here's why:
* Mendel's Factors: Mendel's "factors" are what we now know as genes, which are units of heredity located on chromosomes.
* Meiosis: This is a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells). During meiosis, homologous chromosomes (one from each parent) pair up and exchange genetic material (crossing over). Then, the chromosome pairs separate, ensuring that each gamete receives only one chromosome from each pair.
* Segregation: This refers to the separation of alleles (different versions of a gene) during meiosis. Since each gamete receives only one chromosome from each pair, it also receives only one allele for each gene. This is the basis of Mendel's Law of Segregation, which states that each individual carries two alleles for each trait, and these alleles separate during gamete formation, with only one allele being passed on to each offspring.
In summary: Meiosis is the process that physically separates Mendel's factors (genes) into different gametes, ensuring that each offspring inherits one allele for each trait from each parent.
