Question 1

Which of the following best describes homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They carry information for the same traits, but may have different alleles.

Question 2

A species has a diploid number of $$2n = 16. $$After meiosis, how many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 3

If gametes were produced by mitosis instead of meiosis, with no other changes in the animal's life cycle, what would happen to the chromosome number in each generation?

Accepted Answer

It would double each generation.

Question 4

During which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur, and what is its significance?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over occurs during prophase I and generates new combinations of alleles.

Question 5

Which event during meiosis is responsible for independent assortment of genes?

Accepted Answer

The random way each pair of homologous chromosomes lines up at the metaphase plate during meiosis I.

Question 6

A human cell has 46 chromosomes. What is the haploid number $$(n)$$ for humans?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about meiosis II is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids separate during meiosis II, similar to mitosis.

Question 8

If both homologs in meiosis I move to the same pole of the cell (nondisjunction), what will be the chromosome number in the resulting gametes?

Accepted Answer

Two gametes will have $$n+1$$ chromosomes, and two will have $$n-1$$ chromosomes.

Question 9

Which process is responsible for the genetic variation observed in sexually reproducing populations?

Accepted Answer

Genetic recombination during meiosis.

Question 10

When does DNA replication occur in cells destined to undergo meiosis?

Accepted Answer

It occurs before meiosis I begins.

Question 11

Which of the following is a fundamental difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

The number of DNA molecules per cell nucleus is cut in half in meiosis but remains constant in mitosis.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why self-fertilization does not produce offspring genetically identical to the parent?

Accepted Answer

Because crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis create new allele combinations.

Question 13

Which of the following is an evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic variation, which can enhance adaptability to changing environments.

Question 14

In the absence of crossing over, will the process of meiosis I result in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells?

Accepted Answer

No, because each daughter cell contains a different mix of paternal and maternal chromosomes.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the genetic identity of sister chromatids after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

No, because they crossed over with non-sister chromatids during prophase I.

Question 16

A bulldog ant has a diploid chromosome number of $$2. At $$the end of meiosis I, each daughter cell will have a single chromosome. How many possible combinations of genes are there in the daughter cells of meiosis II, and why?

Accepted Answer

Only 1; there was only one chromosome per daughter cell after meiosis I.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the products of meiosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells that are genetically distinct.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during S-phase.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the outcome if nondisjunction occurs during meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

Half of the gametes will have the normal chromosome number, and half will have either $$n+1 or$$ $$n-1$$ chromosomes.

Meiosis and Mitosis: Chromosome Behavior, Genetic Variation, and Cell Division

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