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Multiple Choice
Which of the following occurs in meiosis but not in mitosis?
A
The cell divides once to produce two daughter cells
B
Homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over
C
DNA replication occurs prior to cell division
D
Sister chromatids are separated
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key difference 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.
Focus on meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis) and exchange genetic material through crossing over. This process increases genetic diversity and does not occur in mitosis.
Recall that DNA replication occurs prior to both meiosis and mitosis during the S phase of the cell cycle, so this is not unique to meiosis.
In meiosis II, sister chromatids are separated, which is similar to what happens in mitosis. Therefore, this step is not exclusive to meiosis.
Conclude that the unique feature of meiosis is the synapsis and crossing over of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, which does not occur in mitosis.