Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main outcome of meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes are separated into different cells.

Question 2

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. After meiosis II, how many chromosomes will each resulting gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 3

Which event during meiosis increases genetic variation by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over during prophase I

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a difference between meiosis and mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis results in genetically identical cells, mitosis results in genetically diverse cells.

Question 5

A geneticist observes that a child has an extra chromosome 21. Which meiotic error most likely caused this condition?

Accepted Answer

Non-disjunction during anaphase I or II

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why siblings from the same parents can look very different from each other?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization create genetic variation.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They carry the same genes but may have different alleles.

Question 8

If a diploid organism has $$2n = 16$$ chromosomes, how many chromosomes will be present in each gamete after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 9

Which process ensures that each gamete receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair?

Accepted Answer

Separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct result of independent assortment during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Each gamete receives a random mix of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

Question 11

A scientist observes that a cell has just completed meiosis I. Which of the following best describes the chromosome content of the resulting cells?

Accepted Answer

Each cell is haploid with duplicated chromosomes.

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates random fertilization?

Accepted Answer

A sperm from one male fertilizes an egg from any female of the same species.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about autosomes in humans?

Accepted Answer

They are chromosomes 1 through 22.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between a chromatid and a chromosome?

Accepted Answer

A chromatid is a single DNA molecule, while a chromosome is made of two chromatids joined together.

Question 15

Which of the following events occurs during meiosis II but not during meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Separation of sister chromatids

Question 16

A cell undergoes meiosis but a pair of homologous chromosomes fails to separate during anaphase I. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Some gametes will have an extra chromosome, and some will be missing one.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the chromosome number by half, preventing chromosome doubling in each generation.

Question 18

Which of the following is a possible consequence of translocation during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Genetic material is exchanged between non-homologous chromosomes.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes a haploid cell?

Accepted Answer

A cell with one set of chromosomes

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that contributes to genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during interphase

Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction: Key Concepts and Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions