Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a gene and an allele?

Accepted Answer

A gene is a segment of DNA that encodes a protein, while an allele is a variant form of that gene.

Question 2

A human cell with 23 chromosomes is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A haploid gamete.

Question 3

If a species has a diploid number of $$2n = 16$$, how many chromosomes are present in each gamete?

Accepted Answer

$$8$$

Question 4

Which of the following processes increases genetic variation during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over during prophase I

Question 5

During which phase of meiosis do homologous chromosomes separate?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 6

Which of the following statements about independent assortment is correct?

Accepted Answer

It occurs during metaphase I and results in the random alignment of homologous chromosome pairs.

Question 7

A cell that fails to separate homologous chromosomes during meiosis I will most likely produce:

Accepted Answer

Aneuploid gametes

Question 8

Which equation correctly predicts the number of possible chromosome combinations due to independent assortment in gametes, where $$n is $$the haploid number?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 9

Which of the following events occurs in meiosis but NOT in mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Synapsis of homologous chromosomes

Question 10

A human karyotype shows 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. What is the total chromosome number in a typical human somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$46$$

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why meiosis results in genetically diverse gametes?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over and independent assortment create new combinations of alleles.

Question 12

If nondisjunction occurs during anaphase II of meiosis, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Some gametes will have an extra chromosome, and some will be missing a chromosome.

Question 13

Which of the following statements describes a key difference between mitosis and meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I, but not in mitosis.

Question 14

A zygote is formed by the fusion of two gametes. If each gamete contains $$n$$ chromosomes, how many chromosomes does the zygote have?

Accepted Answer

$$2n$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the outcome of meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

Four genetically unique haploid cells

Question 16

Which process is responsible for the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over

Question 17

In humans, how many possible combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes can be produced in gametes due to independent assortment? (Assume $$n = 23)$$

Accepted Answer

About 8 million ($$2^{23})$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Aneuploidy, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between metaphase I and metaphase II of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

In metaphase I, homologous chromosome pairs align at the metaphase plate; in metaphase II, individual chromosomes align.

Question 20

Which of the following is true regarding the products of mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles: Genetics, Chromosomes, and Genetic Variation

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