Hess- Biology CBA Quiz #2
Meiosis is cell division that creates gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. Chromosomes are randomly assorted and are distributed independently into four gametes. Which of the following BEST describes the genetic material in the four gametes?
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1 point
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The genetic material in each gamete is exactly the same
The chromosome number of the gametes is equal to the number of chromosomes in the parent cell
Gametes contain double the amount of chromosomes as the parent cell
Each gamete created during meiosis has a unique genetic makeup
To determine the best description of the genetic material in the four gametes created during meiosis, let's consider the process of meiosis and the events that occur.
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms. Its purpose is to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis involves two rounds of division, known as meiosis I and meiosis II, resulting in the formation of four haploid cells (gametes).
During the first round of division (meiosis I), homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over. This genetic recombination increases genetic diversity. Then, the homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.
During the second round of division (meiosis II), the sister chromatids of each chromosome separate, resulting in the formation of four unique haploid cells with a single set of chromosomes.
Thus, the correct option would be: Each gamete created during meiosis has a unique genetic makeup. This is because of the crossing over and independent assortment of chromosomes that occur during meiosis, leading to the shuffling and recombination of genetic material from both parents.
Therefore, the four gametes produced after meiosis would have different combinations of genetic information, enhancing genetic diversity within the population.