Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between somatic cells and gametes in humans?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells have 46 chromosomes, while gametes have 23 chromosomes.

Question 2

During meiosis, what is the significance of crossing over between homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic variation by producing recombinant chromosomes.

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number in a human zygote?

Accepted Answer

$$46 = 23 + 23$$

Question 4

What is the main outcome of independent assortment during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic diversity among offspring.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about autosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Autosomes are chromosomes other than sex chromosomes.

Question 6

A cell with 23 chromosomes is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A haploid gamete

Question 7

Which process results in the formation of a zygote?

Accepted Answer

Fertilization of two haploid gametes

Question 8

What is the primary reason offspring produced by sexual reproduction are genetically unique?

Accepted Answer

They result from independent assortment and random fertilization.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a tetrad?

Accepted Answer

A pair of homologous chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids

Question 10

If nondisjunction occurs during meiosis, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Some gametes will have an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Question 11

Which stage of meiosis is responsible for the separation of homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 12

What is the correct sequence of events during sexual reproduction in humans?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis → Fertilization → Mitosis

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding recombinant chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They result from crossing over during meiosis.

Question 14

Which equation best represents the chromosome number in a human somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$2n = 46$$

Question 15

What is the main difference in chromosome movement between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis I, while sister chromatids separate during mitosis and meiosis II.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the life cycle of a sexually reproducing organism?

Accepted Answer

Alternation between haploid and diploid stages

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct result of fertilization in humans?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a diploid zygote

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why siblings from the same parents can look very different from each other?

Accepted Answer

Independent assortment and crossing over during meiosis create genetic variation.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during mitosis

Question 20

If a human egg cell with an extra chromosome is fertilized by a normal sperm, what will be the chromosome number in the resulting zygote?

Accepted Answer

$$47$$

Cellular Basis of Reproduction and Inheritance: Meiosis and Chromosome Behavior

Study Guide - Practice Questions