The type of cellular division that produces gametes is called meiosis. This specialized form of cell division reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically unique daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes. Meiosis plays a critical role in sexual reproduction, allowing for genetic diversity through the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms. Understanding meiosis is essential in fields like genetics and reproduction, as errors in this process can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome.