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Multiple Choice
Which major characteristic distinguishes metaphase I of meiosis from metaphase of mitosis?
A
The nuclear envelope reforms during metaphase I but not during mitosis.
B
Sister chromatids are separated in metaphase I, but not in mitosis.
C
DNA replication occurs during metaphase I but not during mitosis.
D
Homologous chromosome pairs align together at the metaphase plate in metaphase I, while individual chromosomes align in mitosis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the question: The problem is asking about the key difference between metaphase I of meiosis and metaphase of mitosis. Both are stages in cell division, but they serve different purposes and involve distinct processes.
Recall the purpose of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes (sperm and egg cells). It involves two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II. Metaphase I is part of meiosis I.
Recall the purpose of mitosis: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, maintaining the same chromosome number as the parent cell. It is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
Focus on metaphase I of meiosis: During metaphase I, homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent) align together at the metaphase plate. This pairing is called synapsis, and it is unique to meiosis.
Contrast with metaphase of mitosis: In mitosis, individual chromosomes (not homologous pairs) align at the metaphase plate. This distinction is critical because meiosis involves the separation of homologous pairs, while mitosis involves the separation of sister chromatids.