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Multiple Choice
How can you tell that the cell in the figure below is undergoing meiosis, not mitosis?
A
The chromosomes are aligned single file at the metaphase plate.
B
Homologous chromosomes are paired together and crossing over is visible.
C
There is only one round of cell division occurring.
D
Sister chromatids are separating during the first division.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the key differences between meiosis and mitosis. Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II), while mitosis involves only one round of cell division.
Examine the arrangement of chromosomes during metaphase. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and align together at the metaphase plate, whereas in mitosis, individual chromosomes align single file at the metaphase plate.
Look for evidence of crossing over. Crossing over, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, is a hallmark of meiosis and occurs during prophase I. This does not occur in mitosis.
Determine what is separating during the first division. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, while in mitosis, sister chromatids are separated during the single division.
Conclude that the presence of homologous chromosome pairing, crossing over, and the separation of homologous chromosomes during the first division are all indicators that the cell is undergoing meiosis, not mitosis.