Nondisjunction that leads to problems in offspring can occur in:
a. Mitosis
b. Meiosis I only
c. Meiosis I and II
d. Mitosis, meiosis I, and meiosis II

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of nondisjunction: Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.
2. Identify the types of cell division: Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis is the process that results in four genetically diverse daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
3. Recognize where nondisjunction can occur: Nondisjunction can occur during both mitosis and meiosis. In meiosis, it can happen during meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes fail to separate, or during meiosis II, where sister chromatids fail to separate.
4. Consider the implications of nondisjunction in meiosis: Nondisjunction during meiosis can lead to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can result in disorders such as Down syndrome when these gametes are involved in fertilization.
5. Evaluate the options given in the problem: Analyze each option to determine where nondisjunction can occur, considering the processes of mitosis, meiosis I, and meiosis II.

Key Concepts

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is a chromosomal error that occurs when homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids fail to separate properly during cell division. This results in gametes or cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders in offspring, such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is primarily involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Nondisjunction in mitosis can lead to mosaicism, where some cells have different genetic makeup within the same organism.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically diverse gametes. It consists of two stages: meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes separate, and meiosis II, where sister chromatids separate. Nondisjunction can occur in either stage, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes, affecting offspring.