Meiosis

12 important questions on Meiosis

How does meiosis create genetic diversity?

The haploid daughter cells made by meiosis are not identical. Because the daughter cells are different, meiosis results in genetic variation. One way that meiosis produces non-identical daughter cells occurs during prophase I. When pairs of homologous chromosomes line up at the center of the cell, they do so randomly. This means that each daughter cell gets a different, random assortment of chromosomes. The effect on genetic diversity is illustrated in the figure below. The other way meiosis creates variation is through crossing over. Fertilization, when two haploid gametes combine, results in even more genetic variation.

How is chromosome inheritance different in sexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction occurs when the organism inherits all of its chromosomes from one parent. The new organism is genetically identical to its parent. Asexual reproduction does not involve meiosis. Bacteria reproduce by asexual reproduction. Plants and some simple animals can reproduce sexually or asexually. Complex animals only reproduce sexually.

What happens during metaphase I?

During metaphase I, the pairs of homologous chromosomes line up in the center of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the centromere of each homologous chromosome.
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What happens during metaphase II of meiosis II?

During metaphase II, a haploid number of chromosomes lines up near the center of the cell by the spindle fibers.

What happens during anaphase I?

During anaphase I, each homologous chromosome is guided by the spindle fibers toward opposite poles of the cell. When this happens, the chromosome number is reduced from 2n to n. Notice that the sister chromatids do not split during meiosis I. Each homologous chromosome still has two sister chromatids.

Describe the events of anaphase II in meiosis II.

During anaphase II, the sister chromatids are pulled apart at the centromere by the spindle fibers, and the sister chromatids are pulled to the opposite poles of the cell.

What happens during interphase I?

Just as in mitosis, a cell goes through interphase before undergoing meiosis. A cell in interphase carries out a variety of metabolic functions, copies its DNA, and makes proteins.

What occurs during telophase II of meiosis II?

In telophase II, the chromosomes reach the poles, and the nuclear membrane and nuclei reform.

What happens during prophase I?

Meiosis I begins with prophase I. During prophase I, replicated chromosomes, consisting of two sister chromatids, condense. When that happens, the chromosomes become visible under a light microscope. As the homologous chromosomes condense, they begin to form homologous pairs in a process called synapsis (suh NAP sus). The homologous chromosomes are held tightly together along their lengths by a protein that acts like a zipper. Prophase I continues as the chromosomes move to opposite sides of the cell.

What is the difference in synapsis of homologous chromosomes between mitosis and meiosis?

Synapsis of homologous chromosomes does not occur in mitosis, but occurs during prophase I in meiosis.

What type of cells are produced by mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis produces body cells, while meiosis produces reproductive cells.

What is the purpose of mitosis compared to meiosis?

The purpose of mitosis is growth and repair of body tissues, while the purpose of meiosis is the production of gametes for sexual reproduction.

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