If the starting cell has 46 chromosomes, then how can it produce four cells with 23 chromosomes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the process of cell division, specifically meiosis, which results in the reduction of chromosome number from 46 to 23 in gametes. It highlights how a starting cell with a diploid set of chromosomes can lead to the formation of haploid cells.
Answer
The process is meiosis, resulting in four cells with 23 chromosomes each from a cell with 46 chromosomes.
The process is meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number by half in cells, resulting in four cells with 23 chromosomes each.
Answer for screen readers
The process is meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number by half in cells, resulting in four cells with 23 chromosomes each.
More Information
Meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction as it ensures genetic diversity. Each resulting cell, or gamete, contains half of the genetic material of the parent cell, allowing for the combination of genetic material from two parents during fertilization.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing meiosis with mitosis; mitosis results in two identical cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.
Sources
- Meiosis | Cell division | Biology (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Meiosis — Knowledge Hub - Genomics Education Programme - genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk
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