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Multiple Choice
Which process occurs during meiosis but not during mitosis, resulting in the reduction of chromosome number?
A
Independent assortment
B
Homologous chromosome separation
C
Cytokinesis
D
Crossing over
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic difference between mitosis and meiosis: Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
Identify the key processes unique to meiosis: Meiosis includes two rounds of division, meiosis I and meiosis II, whereas mitosis includes only one. The reduction of chromosome number occurs during meiosis I.
Focus on homologous chromosome separation: During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated into different cells, reducing the chromosome number by half. This does not occur in mitosis.
Consider the role of crossing over: Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, contributing to genetic diversity but not directly to the reduction of chromosome number.
Clarify independent assortment: Independent assortment refers to the random distribution of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis I, which contributes to genetic variation but is not the process responsible for reducing chromosome number.