If a diploid cell with 12 chromosomes undergoes meiosis, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell contain after meiosis is complete?

• A. 24
• B. 12
• C. 3
• D. 6

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the diploid number (2n) of chromosomes in the original cell. Here, the diploid number is given as 12 chromosomes.
2. Recall that meiosis is a process that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce haploid (n) cells, which are gametes.
3. Calculate the haploid number (n) by dividing the diploid number by 2: \(n = \frac{2n}{2}\).
4. Substitute the given diploid number into the formula: \(n = \frac{12}{2}\).
5. Conclude that each daughter cell after meiosis will contain 6 chromosomes, which is half the original diploid number.