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Multiple Choice
Which event occurs only during prophase I of the first meiotic division?
A
Formation of the mitotic spindle
B
Separation of sister chromatids
C
Crossing over of homologous chromosomes
D
Condensation of chromatin into chromosomes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.
Recognize that meiosis consists of two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Prophase I is a part of Meiosis I.
During Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis, forming structures known as tetrads.
Crossing over occurs during Prophase I, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to genetic variation. This is a key event that distinguishes meiosis from mitosis.
Other events like the formation of the mitotic spindle and condensation of chromatin into chromosomes occur in both mitosis and meiosis, but crossing over is unique to Prophase I of meiosis.