Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring, while sexual reproduction produces genetically unique offspring.

Question 2

In humans, how many chromosomes are present in a somatic cell and in a gamete, respectively?

Accepted Answer

Somatic cell: 46, Gamete: 23

Question 3

What is the term for the specific location of a gene on a chromosome?

Accepted Answer

Locus

Question 4

Which process restores the diploid number of chromosomes in humans after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Fertilization

Question 5

During which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Question 6

If an organism has a diploid number of 8 ($$2n = 8$$), how many possible combinations of chromosomes can be produced by independent assortment during gamete formation?

Accepted Answer

$$2^4 = 16$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They carry genes controlling the same inherited characters.

Question 8

Which event is unique to meiosis and does NOT occur in mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Synapsis and crossing over between homologous chromosomes

Question 9

A plant exhibits alternation of generations. Which of the following is true about its life cycle?

Accepted Answer

It alternates between multicellular diploid and multicellular haploid stages.

Question 10

Which mechanism does NOT contribute to genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during S phase

Question 11

A mutation occurs in a gene. What is the most direct result of this mutation in terms of genetics?

Accepted Answer

It creates a new allele.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why siblings from the same parents are genetically different from each other?

Accepted Answer

Independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilization create unique combinations of alleles.

Question 13

In which phase of meiosis are homologous chromosomes separated?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 14

Which of the following is true about gamete formation in humans?

Accepted Answer

Gametes are haploid and contain 23 chromosomes.

Question 15

A zygote is formed by the fusion of two gametes. What is the chromosome number of the zygote in humans?

Accepted Answer

46

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary significance of sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic variation, allowing natural selection to act on populations.

Question 17

If a diploid cell with 12 chromosomes undergoes meiosis, how many chromosomes will each resulting gamete have?

Accepted Answer

6

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of crossing over during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Formation of recombinant chromosomes

Question 19

Which statement about the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I.

Question 20

Which of the following equations correctly represents the number of possible chromosome combinations due to independent assortment in a species with a haploid number $$n$$?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles: Mechanisms and Genetic Variation

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards