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Multiple Choice
How do Meiosis I and Meiosis II contribute to genetic variation?
A
Meiosis I and II both involve the fusion of gametes to increase variation.
B
Meiosis I duplicates DNA, and Meiosis II reduces chromosome number.
C
Meiosis I reduces chromosome number, and Meiosis II involves crossing over.
D
Meiosis I involves crossing over and independent assortment, while Meiosis II separates sister chromatids.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.
Recognize that Meiosis I is crucial for genetic variation. During Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over. This recombination results in new combinations of alleles.
In addition to crossing over, Meiosis I features independent assortment. During Metaphase I, homologous chromosome pairs align randomly at the cell's equator, leading to a random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes to the daughter cells.
Meiosis II resembles mitosis, where the sister chromatids are separated. This division does not further reduce chromosome number but ensures that each gamete receives a single copy of each chromosome.
Together, crossing over and independent assortment in Meiosis I, along with the separation of sister chromatids in Meiosis II, contribute to genetic variation by producing genetically unique gametes.