Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four unique haploid cells.

Question 2

During which stage of meiosis does synapsis and crossing over occur, and what is its significance?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I; it increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

Question 3

A cell with a diploid number of 8 ($$2n = 8) $$undergoes meiosis. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have at the end of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 4

Which structure, shown in the second image, is responsible for organizing microtubules during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Centrosome

Question 5

What is the function of the centromere during cell division?

Accepted Answer

It is the attachment point for spindle microtubules to chromosomes.

Question 6

If a mutation occurs in a gene located on a homologous chromosome, what is the likely outcome during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Some daughter cells may inherit the mutated gene due to independent assortment.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a sister chromatid?

Accepted Answer

A duplicate of a chromosome created during DNA replication.

Question 8

In which organs does meiosis occur in humans?

Accepted Answer

Testes and ovaries

Question 9

A cell is observed to have spindle fibers forming and homologous chromosomes pairing up. Which stage of meiosis is this cell in?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Question 10

Why is it important that gametes are haploid?

Accepted Answer

So that after fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid number of chromosomes.

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in a diploid cell?

Accepted Answer

$$2n$$

Question 12

During spermatogenesis, how many functional sperm cells are produced from one diploid germ cell?

Accepted Answer

Four

Question 13

Which process ensures that each gamete receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair?

Accepted Answer

Independent assortment during meiosis I

Question 14

A genetic disorder is caused by the failure of homologous chromosomes to separate during meiosis. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Nondisjunction

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the centrosome during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

It organizes the microtubules that form the spindle apparatus.

Question 16

If a diploid cell contains $$2n = 12$$ chromosomes, how many chromatids will be present in the cell at the end of prophase I of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$24$$

Question 17

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They carry the same genes at the same loci but may have different alleles.

Question 18

Which event occurs only during meiosis and not mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Pairing of homologous chromosomes (synapsis)

Question 19

A patient has a genetic condition caused by an abnormal number of chromosomes. Which meiotic error most likely caused this?

Accepted Answer

Nondisjunction during anaphase I or II

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring genetic stability across generations.

Meiosis and Mitosis: Cell Division and Genetic Variation

Study Guide - Practice Questions