Q36. What phase of meiosis is seen in the figure to the right?

Background

Topic: Meiosis Phases

This question tests your ability to identify the specific stage of meiosis based on the arrangement and movement of chromosomes within the cell.

Key Terms:

• Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four gamete cells.

• Anaphase: The stage where chromosomes are pulled apart toward opposite poles.

• Metaphase: The stage where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.

• Sister chromatids: Identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere.

• Homologous chromosomes: Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape and gene content.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Observe the image and note the arrangement of chromosomes. Are they lined up at the center or being pulled apart?

2. Determine if the chromosomes being separated are homologous pairs or sister chromatids. This distinction is key for identifying the phase.

3. Recall that in Anaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes are separated, while in Anaphase II, sister chromatids are separated.

4. Check the number of chromosome sets and their structure to decide if this is the first or second division of meiosis.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q48. Fill in the model below showing what the cell would look like throughout meiosis. Make sure that you accurately represent whether chromosomes are unreplicated or replicated, cell ploidy level.

Background

Topic: Chromosome Behavior in Meiosis

This question tests your understanding of chromosome number, replication status, and ploidy changes during the stages of meiosis.

Key Terms:

• Chromosome: A DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism.

• Replicated chromosome: Consists of two sister chromatids joined at the centromere.

• Unreplicated chromosome: A single chromatid.

• Diploid (2n): Two sets of chromosomes.

• Haploid (n): One set of chromosomes.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Examine the starting cell diagram. Count the number of chromosomes and note if they are replicated (X-shaped) or unreplicated (single line).

2. Determine the ploidy level: Is the cell diploid (2n) or haploid (n)? At the start, cells are typically diploid.

3. After Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated. Each resulting cell will have half the original chromosome number, but chromosomes are still replicated.

4. After Meiosis II, sister chromatids are separated. Each cell now has unreplicated chromosomes and is haploid.

5. For each stage, fill in the number of chromosomes, whether they are replicated or unreplicated, and the ploidy level.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!