Meiosis Process and Key Features

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of meiosis?

To duplicate the number of chromosomes

To reduce the number of chromosomes by half (correct)

To increase the number of chromosomes

To exchange genetic material

During which stage of meiosis I do homologous chromosomes line up at the center of the cell?

Metaphase I (correct)

Anaphase I

Telophase I

Prophase I

What is the result of crossing over during meiosis?

Genetic variation decreases

Genetic variation becomes fixed

Genetic variation increases (correct)

Genetic diversity stays the same

During which stage of meiosis II do sister chromatids line up at the center of the cell?

Metaphase II Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis?

Genetic diversity increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of random fertilization of gametes?

Genetic diversity increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of meiosis in terms of the number of chromosomes?

The number of chromosomes decreases by half Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of meiosis I do homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles?

Anaphase I Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of meiosis in ensuring genetic diversity?

To ensure genetic variation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mitosis?

To produce genetically identical daughter cells Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of mitosis does the nuclear envelope break down?

Prophase Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the chromatin during interphase?

It replicates and prepares for cell division Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the spindle fibers during mitosis?

To align chromosomes at the centromere Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of anaphase during mitosis?

Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the chromosomes during metaphase?

They line up at the center of the cell Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of mitosis do chromosomes uncoil and return to interphase structure?

Telophase Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nuclear envelope during telophase?

It reforms around each set of chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

In which type of cells does mitosis occur?

Somatic cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Meiosis

Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in the reproductive cells (gametes) of sexually reproducing organisms.
It involves the reduction of the number of chromosomes by half, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.

Phases of Meiosis

Meiosis I

Prophase I:
- Homologous chromosomes come together and exchange genetic material (crossing over)
- Chromosomes condense and become visible
Metaphase I:
- Homologous chromosomes line up at the center of the cell
- Microtubules from opposite poles attach to each homologous chromosome
Anaphase I:
- Homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles
Telophase I:
- Nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes
Cytokinesis:
- Cytoplasm divides and cells split

Meiosis II

Prophase II:
- Chromosomes condense and become visible
Metaphase II:
- Sister chromatids line up at the center of the cell
- Microtubules from opposite poles attach to each sister chromatid
Anaphase II:
- Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles
Telophase II:
- Nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes
Cytokinesis:
- Cytoplasm divides and cells split

Key Features of Meiosis

Crossing over increases genetic variation
Independent assortment of chromosomes increases genetic diversity
Random fertilization of gametes increases genetic diversity
Meiosis ensures that each gamete receives a unique combination of chromosomes

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Description

Test your understanding of meiosis, a type of cell division that occurs in reproductive cells, including its phases and key features that increase genetic variation and diversity.