6. Identify what part of meiosis SPECIFICALLY results in the reduction of chromosome number.

The specific part of meiosis that results in the reduction of chromosome number is Meiosis I, particularly during Anaphase I.

Here are the steps:

1. Prophase I: The chromosomes condense and pair up. Each chromosome aligns with its pair (its homologue), forming a structure called a tetrad. This is where crossing over occurs, where chromosomes exchange segments.

2. Metaphase I: The tetrads line up along the metaphase plate in the middle of the cell. The orientation is random and results in an independent assortment of the chromosomes.

3. Anaphase I: The paired chromosomes (tetrads) separate and move to opposite ends of the cell. This is the critical step where the reduction of chromosome number occurs. Instead of sister chromatids separating as in mitosis, the homologous chromosomes (each still composed of two sister chromatids) separate.

4. Telophase I and Cytokinesis: The cell splits into two new cells, each with one of each pair of homologous chromosomes. Each chromosome still consists of two sister chromatids.

After Meiosis I, the cells undergo Meiosis II, which is similar to mitosis, and results in four haploid cells (cells with half the number of chromosomes). The key difference is that these cells are not genetically identical due to the events (crossing over and independent assortment) in Meiosis I.