Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

12. Meiosis

Introduction to Meiosis

General Biology

12. Meiosis

Introduction to Meiosis

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1:01 minutes

Problem 6

Textbook Question

In Figure 33.7, assume that the two medusae shown at step 4 were produced by one polyp colony. Review Concept 12.1 and Concept 13.3, and then use your understanding of mitosis and meiosis to evaluate whether the following sentence is true or false; if false, select the answer that provides the correct reason. Although the two medusae are genetically identical, a sperm produced by one will differ genetically from an egg produced by the other.
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a. Both the medusae and the gametes are genetically identical.
b. Neither the medusae nor the gametes are genetically identical.
c. The medusae are not genetically identical, but the gametes are genetically identical.
d. The medusae are genetically identical, but the gametes differ genetically.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Review Concept 12.1 to understand the process of mitosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is responsible for the production of medusae from the polyp colony, ensuring that the medusae are genetically identical.

Step 2: Review Concept 13.3 to understand the process of meiosis. Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and introduces genetic variation through processes like crossing over and independent assortment. This process is responsible for the production of gametes (sperm and eggs).

Step 3: Evaluate the genetic identity of the medusae. Since the medusae are produced by mitosis from the polyp colony, they are genetically identical to each other.

Step 4: Evaluate the genetic identity of the gametes. Gametes are produced through meiosis, which introduces genetic variation. Therefore, a sperm produced by one medusa will differ genetically from an egg produced by the other medusa.

Step 5: Based on the above analysis, determine that the correct answer is (d): The medusae are genetically identical, but the gametes differ genetically.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. In the context of the question, the medusae produced by the polyp colony are genetically identical due to mitotic division.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it introduces genetic variation through recombination and independent assortment. The sperm and egg produced by the medusae will differ genetically due to meiosis.

Genetic Identity

Genetic identity refers to the genetic similarity between organisms or cells. In this scenario, the medusae are genetically identical to each other because they originate from the same polyp colony through mitosis. However, the gametes (sperm and egg) produced by these medusae are genetically distinct due to the process of meiosis, which creates variation.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Complete the following table to compare mitosis and meiosis.

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Textbook Question

What proportion of chromosomes in a man's skin cell are maternal chromosomes?

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Textbook Question

Sperm and eggs in humans always ________.

a. Each have two copies of every gene.

b. Each have one copy of every gene.

c. Each contain either all recessive alleles or all dominant alleles.

d. Are genetically identical to all other sperm or eggs produced by that person.

e. Each contain all of the genetic information from their producer.

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Textbook Question

In Figure 33.7, assume that the two medusae shown at step 4 were produced by one polyp colony. Review Concept 12.1 and Concept 13.3, and then use your understanding of mitosis and meiosis to select which of the following is true.

a. Both the medusae and the gametes are genetically identical.

b. Neither the medusae nor the gametes are genetically identical.

c. The medusae are not genetically identical but the gametes are genetically identical.

d. The medusae are genetically identical but the gametes differ genetically.

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Multiple Choice

During which phase of meiosis does crossing over of chromosomes occur?

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Multiple Choice

Which process best describes meiosis?