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Multiple Choice
Which of the following steps occurs in both mitosis and meiosis?
A
Prophase
B
Reduction division
C
Synapsis
D
Crossing over
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic definitions: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four daughter cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.
Identify the phases of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.
Identify the phases of meiosis: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, each with Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Prophase I is where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments (crossing over).
Compare the steps: Prophase occurs in both mitosis and meiosis. In both processes, prophase involves the condensation of chromatin into chromosomes and the formation of the spindle apparatus.
Eliminate the other options: Reduction division, synapsis, and crossing over are specific to meiosis. Reduction division occurs in Meiosis I, synapsis is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during Prophase I, and crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I.