Which of the following steps must occur before Meiosis I in germ cells?

• A. The DNA of the haploid cell is replicated.
• B. The RNA of the diploid cell is replicated.
• C. The DNA of the diploid cells is replicated.
• D. The two cells need to be physically separated by cytokinesis.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid gametes from diploid germ cells.
2. Recognize that before meiosis begins, the cell must prepare by replicating its DNA. This ensures that each resulting cell will have the correct amount of genetic material.
3. Identify that the replication of DNA occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, which is part of interphase, before the cell enters meiosis.
4. Clarify that in the context of meiosis, the DNA replication step involves the duplication of chromosomes in diploid cells, not haploid cells, as meiosis starts with diploid cells.
5. Note that cytokinesis, the physical separation of cells, occurs after meiosis I and meiosis II, not before meiosis I. Therefore, the correct step that must occur before meiosis I is the replication of DNA in diploid cells.