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What is the primary function of meiosis in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms?
What is the primary function of meiosis in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms?
- To ensure genetic diversity by increasing the number of chromosomes
- To perpetuate the species through asexual reproduction
- To repair DNA damage in germline cells
- To produce somatic cells with a unique combination of genetic traits (correct)
Which of the following statements about meiosis is true?
Which of the following statements about meiosis is true?
- Meiosis I is a replication division, resulting in daughter cells with twice the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
- Meiosis I is a reduction division, resulting in daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
- Meiosis II is a reduction division, resulting in daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell (correct)
- Meiosis II is a replication division, resulting in daughter cells with twice the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
What is the significance of crossing over in meiosis?
What is the significance of crossing over in meiosis?
- It decreases the genetic diversity of the offspring
- It increases the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells
- It increases the chance of genetic mutations
- It increases genetic diversity by shuffling the genetic material (correct)
Which of the following is a characteristic of meiosis?
Which of the following is a characteristic of meiosis?
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What is the purpose of the synaptonemal complex in meiosis?
What is the purpose of the synaptonemal complex in meiosis?
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Study Notes
Meiosis in Sexually Reproducing Organisms
- The primary function of meiosis is to produce genetically diverse gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes, enabling sexual reproduction.
Characteristics of Meiosis
- Meiosis involves two consecutive cell divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II) without an intervening round of DNA replication.
- Crossing over, which occurs during prophase I of meiosis I, increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
Significance of Crossing Over
- Crossing over allows for the shuffling of genetic information, leading to increased genetic diversity among offspring.
Synaptonemal Complex
- The synaptonemal complex is a protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I, facilitating close alignment and crossing over.
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Description
This quiz covers the primary function of meiosis, its characteristics, and the significance of crossing over in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms.
