During which phase of the cell cycle do cells undergoing meiosis replicate their DNA and synthesize proteins?

• A. Telophase II
• B. Interphase
• C. Prophase I
• D. Metaphase I

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells from one diploid cell. It consists of two main stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
2. Recall that DNA replication occurs only once during the cell cycle, regardless of whether the cell is undergoing mitosis or meiosis. This replication happens during the Interphase, specifically in the S (synthesis) phase.
3. Recognize that Interphase is the preparatory phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and synthesizes proteins necessary for division. This phase occurs before the start of Meiosis I.
4. Eliminate the other options: Telophase II is the final stage of Meiosis II, where the chromosomes decondense, and the nuclear envelope reforms. Prophase I is the first stage of Meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes pair up and crossing over occurs. Metaphase I is the stage where homologous chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. None of these involve DNA replication.
5. Conclude that the correct phase during which cells undergoing meiosis replicate their DNA and synthesize proteins is Interphase, specifically the S phase.