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Multiple Choice
What important events occur in Prophase I of meiosis that do not occur in mitosis?
A
Nuclear envelope breakdown
B
Spindle fiber formation
C
Chromosome condensation
D
Crossing over and synapsis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically distinct daughter cells. It consists of two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
Focus on Prophase I of Meiosis I, which is a critical phase where homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis. This does not occur in mitosis.
During synapsis, homologous chromosomes form tetrads, which are groups of four chromatids. This close pairing allows for crossing over to occur.
Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. This process increases genetic diversity and is unique to meiosis.
Recognize that while nuclear envelope breakdown, spindle fiber formation, and chromosome condensation occur in both mitosis and meiosis, synapsis and crossing over are specific to Prophase I of meiosis.