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Multiple Choice
Which of the following events occurs during meiosis but not during mitosis?
A
Homologous chromosomes pair and undergo crossing over
B
DNA replication occurs before cell division
C
The nuclear envelope breaks down
D
Sister chromatids separate during cell division
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key difference between meiosis and mitosis: Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes (sperm and egg cells), while mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
Recall that homologous chromosomes pair and undergo crossing over during meiosis. This process, called synapsis, occurs in prophase I of meiosis and allows for genetic recombination, which increases genetic diversity. This event does not occur during mitosis.
Note that DNA replication occurs before both meiosis and mitosis during the S phase of the cell cycle, so this is not unique to meiosis.
Recognize that the nuclear envelope breaks down during both meiosis and mitosis, specifically during prophase, so this is also not unique to meiosis.
Understand that sister chromatids separate during both meiosis (anaphase II) and mitosis (anaphase), so this event is not exclusive to meiosis. The unique event in meiosis is the pairing and crossing over of homologous chromosomes.