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Multiple Choice
How does meiosis help explain Mendel's principle of independent assortment?
A
Meiosis involves the fusion of gametes, which directly causes independent assortment.
B
Meiosis ensures that each gamete receives identical genetic material, supporting independent assortment.
C
Meiosis results in the duplication of chromosomes, ensuring each gamete receives a complete set.
D
Meiosis involves the random assortment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I, leading to genetic variation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding Mendel's principle of independent assortment, which states that alleles for different genes are distributed to gametes independently of one another.
Recognize that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four genetically diverse gametes. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction.
Focus on metaphase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes line up at the cell's equator. Each pair of homologous chromosomes consists of one chromosome from each parent.
During metaphase I, the orientation of each homologous pair is random. This means that the maternal or paternal chromosome can be directed towards either pole of the cell, leading to different combinations of chromosomes in the gametes.
This random assortment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I is what leads to genetic variation among gametes, supporting Mendel's principle of independent assortment.