Multiple Choice
During meiosis, the chromosome number in the resulting cells does what compared with the parent cell?
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9. Mitosis and Meiosis
Meiosis
Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms?
A
To produce haploid gametes by reducing the chromosome number by half and increasing genetic variation through recombination and independent assortment
B
To produce genetically identical diploid daughter cells for growth and tissue repair
C
To replicate DNA without cell division so that chromosomes are copied for later use
D
To fuse two haploid cells to form a diploid zygote during fertilization
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that meiosis is a specialized type of cell division occurring in sexually reproducing organisms.
Recognize that the main goal of meiosis is to reduce the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n), which is essential for maintaining chromosome number across generations.
Note that meiosis produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) that are haploid, meaning they contain one set of chromosomes each.
Identify that meiosis increases genetic variation through two key mechanisms: recombination (crossing over) during prophase I and independent assortment of chromosomes during metaphase I.
Contrast meiosis with mitosis, which produces genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair, and with fertilization, which is the fusion of two haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote.
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