Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

16. Cell Division

Mitosis

Cell Biology

16. Cell Division

Mitosis

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best illustrates metaphase I in a 2n = 4 cell?

Single chromosomes (not paired) aligned individually at the metaphase plate

Homologous chromosome pairs aligned together at the metaphase plate, each consisting of two sister chromatids

Chromosomes lined up in a single file, each consisting of a single chromatid

Chromosomes randomly scattered throughout the cell with no alignment

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of the problem: The question is asking about metaphase I, which is a stage in meiosis, specifically the first division (meiosis I). Meiosis is a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes or spores.

Recall the key feature of metaphase I: During metaphase I, homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent) align together at the metaphase plate. Each homologous chromosome consists of two sister chromatids, which are identical copies of the chromosome connected at the centromere.

Compare this to mitosis: In mitosis, individual chromosomes (not homologous pairs) align at the metaphase plate. This distinction is critical to understanding the difference between mitosis and meiosis.

Eliminate incorrect options: (1) 'Single chromosomes aligned individually' describes mitosis, not meiosis. (2) 'Chromosomes lined up in a single file, each consisting of a single chromatid' is incorrect because chromosomes in metaphase I consist of two sister chromatids. (3) 'Chromosomes randomly scattered' does not describe any organized stage of cell division.

Select the correct answer: The correct description of metaphase I is 'Homologous chromosome pairs aligned together at the metaphase plate, each consisting of two sister chromatids.' This reflects the unique pairing and alignment of homologous chromosomes in meiosis I.