Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes are a pair, one from each parent, carrying the same genes but possibly different alleles; sister chromatids are identical copies formed after DNA replication.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Crossing over occurs during prophase I and increases genetic variation among gametes.

Question 3

A diploid cell in a human has $$2n = 46$$ chromosomes. After meiosis II, how many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the difference between meiosis I and meiosis II is correct?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis I reduces the chromosome number by half, while meiosis II separates sister chromatids.

Question 5

If an organism has a haploid number $$n = 8$$, what is its diploid number?

Accepted Answer

$$16$$

Question 6

Which structure is responsible for moving chromosomes during meiosis and mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Spindle apparatus

Question 7

A cell with genotype $$AaBb$$ undergoes meiosis. Assuming independent assortment, what is the probability that a gamete will contain the alleles $$AB$$?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{4}$$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction leads to greater genetic diversity than asexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction combines genetic material from two parents and includes processes like crossing over and independent assortment.

Question 9

What is the role of the kinetochore during cell division?

Accepted Answer

It attaches spindle fibers to chromosomes, allowing movement during mitosis and meiosis.

Question 10

Which of the following is true about ploidy?

Accepted Answer

A triploid cell has three sets of chromosomes, denoted as $$3n.$$

Question 11

During fertilization in humans, which cells fuse to form a zygote?

Accepted Answer

One haploid sperm and one haploid egg

Question 12

Which phase of meiosis is characterized by the separation of homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 13

What is the main difference between autosomes and sex chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Autosomes carry genes for most body traits, while sex chromosomes determine the sex of an organism.

Question 14

If a cell starts meiosis with $$2n = 12$$ chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

$$6$$

Question 15

Which of the following events occurs only during meiosis and not mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Pairing of homologous chromosomes and crossing over

Question 16

A mutation occurs in the gene encoding the protein for the spindle apparatus. What is the most likely consequence during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomes may not segregate properly, leading to aneuploid gametes.

Question 17

Which term describes a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome?

Accepted Answer

Autosome

Question 18

What is the function of the centromere during cell division?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where sister chromatids are tightly connected and spindle fibers attach.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the outcome of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

It produces four haploid cells, each genetically unique due to crossing over and independent assortment.

Question 20

Which process ensures that gametes have half the chromosome number of somatic cells?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Meiosis: Chromosome Structure, Terminology, and Phases

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards