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Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes is unique to meiosis?
A
Chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate
B
Cytokinesis
C
Crossing over
D
DNA replication
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of meiosis: 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. It is essential for sexual reproduction.
Identify the processes listed: Chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate, cytokinesis, crossing over, and DNA replication. Determine which of these is unique to meiosis.
Recognize that crossing over is a process where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during prophase I of meiosis. This process increases genetic diversity and is unique to meiosis.
Compare the other processes: Chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate occurs in both mitosis and meiosis. Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm and occurs in both mitosis and meiosis. DNA replication occurs before both mitosis and meiosis during the S phase of the cell cycle.
Conclude that crossing over is the process unique to meiosis, as it does not occur during mitosis and is crucial for genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms.