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Multiple Choice
How is prophase I different from prophase II in meiosis?
A
The nuclear envelope breaks down only in prophase II, not in prophase I.
B
Homologous chromosomes pair and crossing over occurs during prophase I, but not during prophase II.
C
Spindle fibers do not form during prophase I, but they do form during prophase II.
D
Chromosomes condense for the first time during prophase II, but not during prophase I.
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. It consists of two stages: meiosis I and meiosis II. Prophase I and prophase II occur in these respective stages.
Focus on prophase I: During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis. This pairing allows for crossing over, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity.
Contrast with prophase II: In prophase II, crossing over does not occur because homologous chromosomes have already been separated during meiosis I. Instead, prophase II involves the preparation of the haploid cells for the second division.
Clarify the role of spindle fibers: Spindle fibers form in both prophase I and prophase II to facilitate chromosome movement. The statement that spindle fibers do not form during prophase I is incorrect.
Address chromosome condensation and nuclear envelope breakdown: Chromosomes condense during prophase I, not just prophase II. The nuclear envelope breaks down in both prophase I and prophase II, contrary to the statement that it only occurs in prophase II.