Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Homologous chromosomes are chromosomes that pair during meiosis, each inherited from a different parent, while sister chromatids are identical copies formed by DNA replication.

Question 2

If a diploid cell with $2n = 8$ undergoes meiosis, how many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$4$

Question 3

Which phase of meiosis is responsible for reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis I

Question 4

During which stage of meiosis does crossing over typically occur, and what is its genetic significance?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I; it increases genetic variation among gametes.

Question 5

A species has a haploid number $n = 12$. What is its diploid number?

Accepted Answer

$24$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about meiosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division but only one round of DNA replication.

Question 7

If a cell starts meiosis with $2n = 10$ chromosomes, how many chromatids will be present in the cell after DNA replication but before Meiosis I begins?

Accepted Answer

$20$

Question 8

Which event restores the diploid chromosome number in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Fertilization, when male and female gametes combine

Question 9

In humans, if a sperm cell contains $n = 23$ chromosomes, what is the chromosome number in a zygote after fertilization?

Accepted Answer

$2n = 46$

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why meiosis is essential for sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the chromosome number by half, preventing chromosome doubling in each generation.

Question 11

A cell with $2n = 14$ chromosomes undergoes meiosis. After Meiosis I, how many chromosomes are present in each daughter cell?

Accepted Answer

$7$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes

Question 13

Which statement correctly describes the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis maintains chromosome number, while meiosis reduces it by half.

Question 14

During which stage of meiosis do homologous chromosomes separate?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 15

If a species has a diploid number of $2n = 18$, how many chromosomes will be present in each cell after Meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

$9$

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of meiosis?

Accepted Answer

It results in daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

Question 17

A mutation causes a cell to skip Meiosis II. What would be the expected outcome for the chromosome number in the resulting cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells would have the correct haploid chromosome number, but each chromosome would consist of two sister chromatids.

Question 18

Which process ensures that offspring inherit a unique combination of genes from both parents?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis

Question 19

In a plant species, the diploid number is $2n = 16$. After fertilization, what will be the chromosome number in the zygote?

Accepted Answer

$16$

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

To maintain the species-specific chromosome number after fertilization.

Meiosis and Chromosome Structure: Study Notes for Genetics

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