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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about meiosis is correct?
A
Meiosis produces diploid cells identical to the parent cell.
B
Meiosis occurs only in somatic cells for growth and repair.
C
Meiosis consists of a single round of cell division.
D
Meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid cells.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the purpose of meiosis. Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells (n) from diploid cells (2n). This process is essential for sexual reproduction, as it generates gametes (sperm and egg cells) that combine during fertilization.
Step 2: Recognize the key features of meiosis. Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division: meiosis I and meiosis II. Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, while meiosis II separates sister chromatids. This results in four genetically unique haploid cells.
Step 3: Compare meiosis to mitosis. Unlike mitosis, which produces two identical diploid cells for growth and repair in somatic cells, meiosis produces genetically diverse haploid cells and occurs only in germ cells (cells that give rise to gametes).
Step 4: Analyze the incorrect statements. The first three options are incorrect because: (1) Meiosis does not produce diploid cells identical to the parent cell; it produces haploid cells. (2) Meiosis does not occur in somatic cells; it occurs in germ cells. (3) Meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, not one.
Step 5: Confirm the correct statement. The correct answer is: 'Meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid cells.' This is due to the processes of crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis I, which increase genetic diversity.