Which of the following features distinguishes meiosis from mitosis?
A) It occurs in somatic cells
B) It requires the use of microtubules
C) The production of cells is identical to the parent cell
D) It occurs only in unicellular organisms
E) The production of genetically diverse haploid cells
IMAT 2026 · Question 27
Q27 - Meiosis and gametogenesis
Pinned
The correct answer is E) The production of genetically diverse haploid cells.
Meiosis produces four haploid cells, each genetically different. Diversity comes from crossing over (prophase I) and the independent assortment of homologous chromosomes (metaphase I). Mitosis produces two diploid cells identical to the parent.
A) Incorrect: Somatic cells divide by mitosis. Meiosis happens in germ cells, in the gonads.
B) Incorrect: Both mitosis and meiosis use a microtubule spindle, so this does not distinguish them.
C) Incorrect: That describes mitosis.
D) Incorrect: Meiosis occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, including multicellular ones such as humans.
E) Correct: Genetically diverse haploid cells are the hallmark of meiosis.
Replies 0
No other replies yet.
Log in to reply.