Which statement correctly describes DNA replication during meiosis?

• A. DNA replicates once during S phase before meiosis I; there is no DNA replication between meiosis I and meiosis II.
• B. DNA replicates twice: once before meiosis I and again before meiosis II.
• C. DNA does not replicate at all during meiosis because cells start meiosis already haploid.
• D. DNA replicates continuously throughout meiosis I and meiosis II.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the overall process of meiosis, which consists of two consecutive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.
2. Recall that DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, which happens before meiosis begins, specifically before meiosis I.
3. Recognize that after DNA replication in the S phase, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids, which will be separated during meiosis I and meiosis II.
4. Note that there is no additional DNA replication between meiosis I and meiosis II; the cell proceeds directly into meiosis II to separate sister chromatids.
5. Conclude that DNA replicates once before meiosis I and does not replicate again before meiosis II, ensuring the correct reduction of chromosome number.