Hello,
I got this question wrong on a homework assignment and I still can't find the correct answer.
The reduction of the chromosome number during meiosis is most important for:
1: keeping the amount of DNA in the cell at a minimum level.
2: allowing the growth of the cell without increasing the DNA content.
3: maintaining the chromosome number during sexual reproduction.
4: preventing the nucleus from becoming larger with each cell division.
I marked 3 as the correct answer. Is there any other answer?
If the number of chromosomes doubles in each generation, what would that do? If that doesn't happen, what has occurred?
Is it 1:keeping the amount of DNA in the cell at a minimum level?
Yes, you are correct. Answer 3 is indeed the correct answer to the question. The reduction of the chromosome number during meiosis is essential for maintaining the chromosome number during sexual reproduction.
During meiosis, the diploid (2n) parent cell undergoes two rounds of cell division to produce haploid (n) gametes. This reduction in the chromosome number is significant because during fertilization, when the gametes combine, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes characteristic of the species.
Answers 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect in this context.
Answer 1 ("keeping the amount of DNA in the cell at a minimum level") is not the primary function of meiosis. While meiosis does reduce the chromosome number and DNA content, its primary purpose is to generate genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction.
Answer 2 ("allowing the growth of the cell without increasing the DNA content") is also not the primary purpose of meiosis. Growth of cells without an increase in DNA content primarily occurs during the process of mitosis, not meiosis.
Answer 4 ("preventing the nucleus from becoming larger with each cell division") is not an accurate statement regarding meiosis. The reduction of the chromosome number during meiosis does not prevent the nucleus from becoming larger with each division; rather, it ensures the correct chromosome count during sexual reproduction.
In summary, answer 3 is correct, as meiosis is crucial for maintaining the correct chromosome number during sexual reproduction.