Meiosis Overview and Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What occurs during telophase I of meiosis?

Chromosomes are duplicated and align at the equator.
Crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids.
Homologous chromosomes separate to opposite poles.
Chromosomes reach opposing poles and nuclei are re-formed. (correct)

What is the outcome of meiosis II?

Two daughter cells with a diploid chromosome number.
Four daughter cells, each with a haploid chromosome number. (correct)
Only one daughter cell with a haploid DNA content.
Four genetically identical daughter cells.

How does the DNA content of daughter cells from meiosis I compare to the original germ cell?

The DNA content is reduced to haploid, but each chromosome still consists of two chromatids. (correct)
The daughter cells contain double the original DNA content.
The daughter cells have the same diploid DNA content as the original germ cell.
The DNA content remains unchanged, maintaining a diploid state.

What is true about the genetic composition of gametes produced by meiosis?

Each gamete possesses unique genetic variations due to recombination. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of meiosis II?

It follows a phase of DNA synthesis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of meiosis in terms of chromosome number?

It reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant process occurs during prophase I of meiosis?

Formation of chiasmata through crossing over. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the stage characterized by the alignment of homologous chromosomes on the equatorial plate?

Metaphase I (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does meiosis contribute to genetic variation?

Through random assortment and crossing over of chromosomes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during Meiosis II?

Sister chromatids are separated. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the chromosome number in gametes produced by meiosis?

n (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of karyotype is likely to result in serious developmental issues?

Unbalanced karyotype (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between aneuploidy and polyploidy?

Aneuploidy refers to an abnormal number of chromosomes, polyploidy refers to multiple complete sets of chromosomes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of random exchange of genetic material during meiosis?

To promote genetic variability in offspring (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of meiosis does the chromosome number change from diploid to haploid?

Anaphase I (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a consequence of aneuploidy?

There is an abnormal number of chromosomes that are not multiples of the haploid number (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of meiosis is primarily responsible for separating sister chromatids?

Anaphase II (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a balanced karyotype and an unbalanced karyotype?

A balanced karyotype has no genetic material loss or gain, whereas an unbalanced karyotype includes some genetic material imbalance (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does meiosis contribute to the genetic diversity of a population?

By separating homologous chromosomes and introducing crossing over (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the DNA content during the S phase prior to meiosis?

DNA doubles from 2n to 4n before meiosis begins (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does meiosis differ from mitosis?

Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division, while mitosis involves only one (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phases of meiosis is longest and features the formation of chiasmata?

Prophase I (B) Signup and view all the answers

What primarily ensures the haploid status of gametes after meiosis?

Separation of homologous chromosomes during Meiosis I (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to homologous chromosomes during anaphase I?

Homologous chromosomes migrate to opposite poles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the chromosomes at the end of telophase I?

Each daughter cell has 23 chromosomes, each consisting of two chromatids. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of meiosis II compared to meiosis I?

It proceeds without any DNA replication. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable outcome of the reshuffling of chromosomes during meiosis?

Formation of genetically distinct gametes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way are the four daughter cells produced at the end of meiosis II characterized?

They possess a haploid number of chromosomes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of meiosis II do chromatids migrate to opposite poles?

Anaphase II (C) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during cytokinesis after meiosis II?

The separation of cytoplasm occurs, leading to four distinct cells. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes the gametes produced by meiosis from those produced by mitosis?

Gametes produced by meiosis have undergone crossing over. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the DNA content of cells after meiosis I is correct?

Each daughter cell has a haploid DNA content yet is still diploid in chromosome composition. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the transition from metaphase I to anaphase I in meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes move apart to opposite poles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for genetic distinctiveness in cells produced after meiosis II?

Crossover events and reshuffling of chromosomes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the DNA content of daughter cells after meiosis II?

Each daughter cell has a haploid DNA content. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does cytokinesis occur at the end of meiosis II?

Cytokinesis follows chromatid migration to opposite poles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the chromosome configuration of daughter cells after telophase I?

Each cell has a haploid number of chromosomes with double DNA content. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of meiosis II is characterized by the attachment of kinetochores to spindle fibers?

Metaphase II (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the reductional division that occurs during meiosis I?

To reduce the chromosome number from diploid to haploid (D) Signup and view all the answers

During prophase I, which event is critically important for increasing genetic diversity?

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of meiosis is responsible for separating homologous chromosomes?

Meiosis I (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best differentiates between balanced and unbalanced karyotypes?

Unbalanced karyotypes have additional or missing chromosomal material. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the chromosomal configuration at the end of meiosis II compare to that at the start of meiosis?

It results in four gametes with a haploid number of chromosomes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm or egg) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm or egg) formed through meiosis.