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Multiple Choice
When meiosis occurs without recombination, which of the following has occurred?
A
Sister chromatids fail to separate during anaphase II
B
The cell undergoes mitosis instead of meiosis
C
Homologous chromosomes separate without exchanging genetic material
D
Crossing over occurs between non-homologous chromosomes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells. It involves two stages: meiosis I and meiosis II. Recombination (crossing over) typically occurs during prophase I of meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.
Clarify the concept of recombination: Recombination is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I. This process increases genetic diversity. If recombination does not occur, homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis I without exchanging genetic material.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each statement to determine which one aligns with the scenario where meiosis occurs without recombination. For example, sister chromatids failing to separate during anaphase II is a different error (nondisjunction) and does not relate to recombination.
Focus on homologous chromosome behavior: In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and separate. Without recombination, they separate without exchanging genetic material, which matches the correct answer provided in the problem.
Exclude incorrect options: Crossing over between non-homologous chromosomes is not a typical feature of meiosis and would indicate an error. Similarly, mitosis is a different process entirely, and nondisjunction during anaphase II is unrelated to recombination.