Meiosis Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. Which statement correctly distinguishes homologous chromosomes from sister chromatids?
Homologous chromosomes are identical copies, while sister chromatids may carry different genes
Homologous chromosomes occur only in haploid cells, while sister chromatids occur only in diploid cells
Homologous chromosomes share one centromere, while sister chromatids have separate centromeres
Homologous chromosomes carry the same gene locations but may have different alleles; sister chromatids are replicated copies of one chromosome
2. A crossover exchanges corresponding DNA segments between which structures?
Two chromosomes from unrelated homologous pairs
The two sister chromatids of one replicated chromosome only
Two chromosomes located in different cells
Nonsister chromatids of homologous chromosomes
3. Which pair of meiotic processes most directly creates new combinations of alleles in the resulting cells?
DNA replication and cytokinesis
Chromosome condensation and spindle formation
Crossing over and independent assortment
Centromere duplication and nuclear-envelope formation
4. What is the primary biological role of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms?
To double chromosome number before fertilization
To produce genetically identical diploid cells for growth
To repair damaged chromosomes without cell division
To produce haploid cells while generating genetic variation
5. A microscope image shows chromosome pairs lined up side by side at the cell equator. Which meiotic stage is most consistent with this observation?
Prophase II
Metaphase of mitosis
Metaphase I
Anaphase II
6. One diploid parent cell completes either mitosis or meiosis. Which comparison correctly describes the usual products?
Mitosis produces two genetically similar cells, while meiosis typically produces four genetically varied haploid cells
Mitosis produces four haploid cells, while meiosis produces two diploid cells
Both processes produce four genetically identical cells with the same ploidy
Mitosis and meiosis both produce two cells, but only mitosis includes DNA replication
7. A human primary spermatocyte has completed DNA replication but has not begun meiosis I. How many chromatids does it contain?
23
46
92
184
8. After meiosis I, each daughter cell begins meiosis II. What normally happens to the DNA before meiosis II starts?
No additional round of DNA replication occurs
Only chromosomes inherited from one parent are replicated
Homologous chromosomes replicate, but sister chromatids do not
All chromosomes are replicated again
9. Nondisjunction affects one chromosome during meiosis II in one of the two cells formed by meiosis I. What four products are expected?
Four products with one extra chromosome
Two normal products, one with an extra chromosome, and one missing that chromosome
Two products with an extra chromosome and two missing that chromosome
Three normal products and one diploid product
10. During which stage does crossing over normally occur?
Prophase I
Metaphase II
Telophase II
Anaphase I
11. A homologous chromosome pair fails to separate during meiosis I, but meiosis II occurs normally. What set of products is expected?
Four cells with the normal haploid chromosome number
Two cells with one extra chromosome and two cells missing that chromosome
Two normal cells and two cells with one extra chromosome
One diploid cell and three normal haploid cells
12. A diploid cell has 12 chromosomes. If meiosis proceeds normally, how many chromosomes will each resulting cell contain after meiosis II?
24
12
6
3
13. Why is meiosis I called a reductional division?
Homologous chromosomes separate, reducing the chromosome-set number from diploid to haploid
DNA is broken down so each chromosome contains fewer genes
Sister chromatids separate, reducing every chromosome to a single DNA strand
The cell becomes smaller as its cytoplasm divides
14. In a flowering plant's anther, a diploid microspore mother cell undergoes meiosis. What are the immediate products?
Two genetically identical diploid pollen grains
Four haploid microspores that can develop into pollen grains
Two haploid sperm cells ready for fertilization
Four diploid spores that later become gametes
15. When does DNA replication occur in relation to meiosis?
Between meiosis I and meiosis II
Only after meiosis II is complete
During prophase I after homologues pair
During interphase before meiosis I
16. Independent assortment results most directly from which event?
DNA replication before meiosis begins
The random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs at metaphase I
The pairing of identical sister chromatids during prophase I
The separation of sister chromatids during anaphase II