Question 1

Which of the following best describes the outcome of meiosis in animals?

Accepted Answer

Four haploid cells that are genetically distinct from each other and the parent cell

Question 2

During fertilization in humans, what is the chromosome number of the resulting zygote?

Accepted Answer

$$2n$$

Question 3

Which process is responsible for generating new combinations of alleles within a chromosome during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over

Question 4

A human cell with 47 chromosomes is most likely the result of which meiotic error?

Accepted Answer

Nondisjunction

Question 5

If a diploid organism has a haploid number $$n = 12$$, how many chromosomes are present in a somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$24$$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They contain the same genes in the same positions but may have different alleles

Question 7

What is the significance of independent assortment during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic diversity by producing new combinations of chromosomes

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 9

A karyotype of an individual with Down syndrome shows three copies of chromosome 21. This condition is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Trisomy

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why gametes must be haploid?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that fertilization restores the diploid chromosome number

Question 11

If nondisjunction occurs during meiosis II, what is the expected outcome for the resulting gametes?

Accepted Answer

Two gametes will be normal, one will have an extra chromosome ($$n+1$$), and one will be missing a chromosome ($$n-1)$$

Question 12

Which of the following events does NOT occur during meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

Separation of sister chromatids

Question 13

A species has a diploid number of 18. After meiosis, how many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$9$$

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Increased genetic variation among offspring

Question 15

Which statement best distinguishes mitosis from meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces genetically identical cells, while meiosis produces genetically diverse cells

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in a polyploid organism?

Accepted Answer

A gamete with $$n$$ chromosomes fuses with a gamete with $$2n$$ chromosomes

Question 17

Which of the following best describes an allele?

Accepted Answer

A version of a specific gene

Question 18

If a cell starts meiosis with 20 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each resulting gamete have after meiosis is complete?

Accepted Answer

$$10$$

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during interphase

Question 20

A cell with three complete sets of chromosomes is described as:

Accepted Answer

Polyploid

Meiosis: Mechanisms and Biological Significance Chapter 13

Study Guide - Practice Questions