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Multiple Choice
Meiosis results in a change in chromosome number indicated by which of the following?
A
No change in chromosome number
B
Doubling from haploid ($n$) to diploid ($2n$)
C
Reduction from diploid ($2n$) to haploid ($n$)
D
Reduction from tetraploid ($4n$) to diploid ($2n$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells from one diploid parent cell. This is essential for sexual reproduction.
Recall the chromosome number terminology: Diploid ($2n$) refers to cells that have two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent), while haploid ($n$) refers to cells that have only one set of chromosomes.
Identify the key stages of meiosis: Meiosis consists of two divisions, Meiosis I and Meiosis II. During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, reducing the chromosome number from diploid ($2n$) to haploid ($n$). Meiosis II resembles mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated, but the chromosome number remains haploid.
Focus on the reduction in chromosome number: The critical change in chromosome number occurs during Meiosis I, where the diploid ($2n$) cell is divided into two haploid ($n$) cells. This reduction is necessary to ensure that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid chromosome number.
Eliminate incorrect options: 'No change in chromosome number' is incorrect because meiosis reduces the chromosome number. 'Doubling from haploid ($n$) to diploid ($2n$)' is incorrect because meiosis does not involve doubling. 'Reduction from tetraploid ($4n$) to diploid ($2n$)' is incorrect because tetraploid cells are not involved in standard meiosis. The correct answer is 'Reduction from diploid ($2n$) to haploid ($n$).'