Meiosis And Life Cycles Practice Questions

Question 1

What is the main purpose of meiosis?

A) To produce identical cells for growth and repair
B) To create haploid gametes and increase genetic variability
C) To replicate DNA and ensure equal division of the nucleus
D) To fuse gametes and create a zygote

Answer 1

B) To create haploid gametes and increase genetic variability

Question 2

Which of the following events is unique to meiosis and does not occur in
mitosis?

A) Chromosome condensation during prophase
C) Pairing of homologous chromosomes and crossing over
B) Separation of sister chromatids
D) Alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate

Answer 2

C) Pairing of homologous chromosomes and crossing over

Question 3

During which stage of meiosis does crossing over occur?

A) Prophase I
B) Metaphase I
C) Anaphase I
D) Telophase II

Answer 3

A) Prophase I

Question 4

How many possible combinations of chromosomes can result from
independent assortment in a species with three chromosome pairs?

A) 6
B) 8
C) 16
D) 32

Answer 4

B) 8

Question 5

Which of the following describes a “tetrad” in meiosis?

A) A pair of sister chromatids
B) A chromosome with four arms
C) A pair of homologous chromosomes held together during prophase I
D) A group of four haploid cells after meiosis

Answer 5

C) A pair of homologous chromosomes held together during prophase I

Question 6

What is the difference between meiosis I and meiosis II?

A) Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, while meiosis II separates sister chromatids.
B) Meiosis I occurs in somatic cells, while meiosis II occurs in germ cells.
C) Meiosis I produces diploid cells, while meiosis II produces haploid cells.
D) Crossing over occurs in meiosis II but not meiosis I.

Answer 6

A) Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, while meiosis II separates sister chromatids.

Question 7

What is the significance of random orientation of homologous
chromosomes during Metaphase I?

A) It ensures all gametes are genetically identical.
B) It increases genetic diversity by creating unique combinations of chromosomes in gametes.
C) It ensures chromosomes divide equally between daughter cells.
D) It allows the exchange of genetic material between sister chromatids.

Answer 7

B) It increases genetic diversity by creating unique combinations of chromosomes in gametes.

Question 8

In meiosis, how many gametes are produced from one diploid cell?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 8

Answer 8

B) 4

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation during sexual
reproduction?

A) Crossing over during Prophase I
B) Random segregation of homologous chromosomes during Anaphase I
C) Random fusion of gametes during fertilization
D) DNA replication during S phase

Answer 9

D) DNA replication during S phase

Question 10

Which of the below processes are responsible for producing the unique
genetic combinations observed in gametes?

A) Mitotic S-phase
B) Binary fission in animal cells
C) Recombination and independent assortment
D) Cytokinesis

Answer 10

C) Recombination and independent assortment

Question 11

Which one of the following statements about crossing over is correct?

A) It occurs between non-homologous chromosomes during Meiosis I.
B) It ensures the complete exchange of DNA between all homologous chromosomes.
C) It occurs at specific sites called chiasmata and results in recombinant chromatids.
D) It is the final step of Meiosis II, ensuring genetic diversity in gametes.

Answer 11

C) It occurs at specific sites called chiasmata and results in recombinant chromatids.

Question 12

During Metaphase I of meiosis, what determines the arrangement of
homologous chromosome pairs at the metaphase plate?

A) The length of the chromosomes
B) The attachment of spindle fibers to sister chromatids
C) Random orientation of homologous chromosomes, influenced by independent assortment
D) Alignment of chromosomes based on maternal or paternal origin

Answer 12

C) Random orientation of homologous chromosomes, influenced by independent assortment

Question 13

If an organism with a diploid number of 6 undergoes meiosis, how many
genetically distinct gametes can it theoretically produce from independent
assortment alone (ignoring crossing over)?

A) 6
B) 8
C) 16
D) 64

Answer 13

B) 8

Question 14

Which one of the following explains why sister chromatids are no longer
identical after Prophase I of meiosis?

A) The random orientation of homologous chromosomes at the metaphase plate
B) The replication of DNA during S phase introduces errors
C) The exchange of genetic material during crossing over
D) The separation of homologous chromosomes during Anaphase I

Answer 14

C) The exchange of genetic material during crossing over

Question 15

Which of the following features is shared by both Meiosis II and mitosis?

A) Homologous chromosomes pair and segregate.
B) DNA replication occurs prior to division.
C) Sister chromatids separate into daughter cells.
D) Four haploid cells are produced at the end.

Answer 15

C) Sister chromatids separate into daughter cells.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about gamete formation in plants is
true?

A) Gametes are formed directly through meiosis in the sporophyte generation.
B) Haploid gametes are produced by mitosis in the gametophyte generation.
C) The gametophyte is diploid and forms gametes through mitosis.
D) Fertilization occurs before gamete formation in the gametophyte.

Answer 16

B) Haploid gametes are produced by mitosis in the gametophyte generation.

Question 17

Which one of the following is a major difference between Prophase I of
meiosis and Prophase of mitosis?

A) DNA replication occurs before Prophase I but not before Prophase of mitosis.
B) Homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over in Prophase I.
C) Spindle fibers form during Prophase of mitosis but not during Prophase I.
D) The nuclear envelope breaks down in mitotic prophase but not in prophase II of meiosis.

Answer 17

B) Homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over in Prophase I.

Question 18

Why does meiosis, rather than mitosis, serve as the foundation for sexual
reproduction?

A) Meiosis conserves chromosome number across generations by producing haploid gametes.
B) Meiosis ensures offspring are genetically identical to their parents.
C) Meiosis creates diploid gametes that can fuse during fertilization.
D) Meiosis prevents crossing over and maintains genetic stability.

Answer 18

A) Meiosis conserves chromosome number across generations by producing haploid gametes.