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Multiple Choice
What happens during meiosis that does not occur during mitosis?
A
Crossing over of homologous chromosomes
B
Formation of the mitotic spindle
C
Replication of DNA
D
Separation of sister chromatids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic purpose of meiosis and mitosis: 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. Mitosis, on the other hand, results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Identify the unique events in meiosis: One key event that occurs during meiosis but not during mitosis is the crossing over of homologous chromosomes. This process occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of genetic material, leading to genetic variation.
Compare the processes: In mitosis, homologous chromosomes do not pair up, and there is no crossing over. The main focus of mitosis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Consider the other options: The formation of the mitotic spindle, replication of DNA, and separation of sister chromatids occur in both meiosis and mitosis. However, the timing and context differ slightly between the two processes.
Conclude with the unique feature: The crossing over of homologous chromosomes is a distinctive feature of meiosis that contributes to genetic diversity, which does not occur during mitosis.