Multiple Choice Questions: Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

Chapter 11 - Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis
Chapter 11
Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis
Multiple Choice Questions

1. Edouard van Beneden proposed that an egg and a sperm, each containing half the
complement of chromosomes found in somatic cells, fuse to produce a single cell called a(n)
______.
A. zygote
B. karyotype
C. embryo
D. oocyte
Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.01.01 Characterize the function of meiosis in sexual reproduction.
Section: 11.01
Topic: Sexual Reproduction Requires Meiosis

2. ______ is a process of nuclear division which reduces the number of chromosomes per cell
from 2 sets to 1 set.
A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Binary fission
D. Syngamy

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

11-1
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3. ______ cells contain one set of chromosomes.

A. Germ-line
B. Somatic
C. Diploid
D. Haploid

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

4. In life cycles that alternate between haploid and diploid stages, fertilization doubles the
number of chromosomes per cell while ______ reduces it in half.
A. mitosis
B. meiosis
C. binary fission
D. syngamy

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

5. Homologous chromosomes pair along their length during prophase I of meiosis. While two
homologues are paired, genetic exchange may occur between them in a process called
________.
A. syngamy
B. synapsis
C. independent assortment
D. crossing over

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.03.01 Describe the behavior of chromosomes through both meiotic divisions.
Section: 11.03
Topic: The Process of Meiosis

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6. Compared to asexual reproduction, the main advantage of sexual reproduction is that it
A. requires less energy
B. increases the genetic diversity of the offspring
C. can produce more complex offspring
D. can produce a greater number of offspring
Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

7. If there were no suppression of DNA replication between meiotic divisions but cytokinesis
proceeded normally, what is the most likely outcome of meiosis?
A. 4 diploid cells
B. 2 diploid cells
C. 4 haploid cells
D. 2 haploid cells
E. 2 diploid cells and 2 haploid cells

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.04.03 Explain the importance of the suppression of replication between meiotic divisions.
Section: 11.04
Topic: Summing Up: Meiosis Versus Mitosis

8. Evidence of crossing over can often be seen under the light microscope as a structure
called a _______.
A. kinetochore
B. centromere
C. chiasma
D. centriole

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.02.01 Describe how homologous chromosomes pair during meiosis.
Section: 11.02
Topic: Features of Meiosis

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9. The fusion of a male gamete with a female gamete is called

A. syngamy.
B. meiosis.
C. mitosis.
D. recombination.
E. synapsis.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

10. Diploid organisms use meiosis to produce haploid cells. Meiosis consists of how many
rounds of nuclear division?
A. one
B. two
C. three
D. four
E. none of these

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

11. The pairing of chromosomes along their lengths, which is essential for crossing over, is
referred to as
A. syngamy.
B. synapsis.
C. prophase.
D. recombination.
E. centromere.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

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12. The cell produced by the fusion of an egg and a sperm is the
A. gamete.
B. oocyte.
C. zygote.
D. germ line cell.
E. somatic cell.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

13. The zygote has

A. one copy of each chromosome.
B. one full haploid complement of chromosomes.
C. chromosomes identical to those of a sperm cell.
D. chromosomes identical to those of an egg cell.
E. two copies of each chromosome.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

14. All animal cells are diploid except

A. gametes.
B. muscle cells.
C. nerve cells.
D. germ-line cells.
E. somatic cells.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

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15. The point of connection between two sister chromatids, before anaphase II of meiosis
separates them, is called the
A. centriole
B. kinetochore.
C. centromere.
D. spindle apparatus.
E. centrosome.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.03.02 Explain the importance of monopolar attachment of homologous pairs at metaphase I.
Section: 11.03

16. Which of the following produces new cells that are genetically identical to the original
cell?
A. meiosis
B. mitosis
C. crossing over
D. independent assortment
E. fertilization

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.04.01 Describe the distinct features of meiosis.
Section: 11.04

17. In animals, the cells that will eventually undergo meiosis to produce gametes are set aside
early in development. These are called
A. somatic cells.
B. germ-line cells.
C. sex cells.
D. gametophytes.
E. reproductive cells.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.01.02 Distinguish between germ-line and somatic cells.
Section: 11.01

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18. Which of the following events occurs first during meiosis?

A. homologous chromosomes separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell
B. sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell
C. chromosomes decondense
D. synapsis of homologous chromosomes
E. pairs of homologous chromosomes align along the equatorial plate

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

19. Chromosomes exchange genetic information by

A. fertilization.
B. mitosis.
C. syngamy.
D. DNA replication.
E. crossing over.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

20. Crossing over between homologous chromosomes takes place during

A. prophase II.
B. prophase I.
C. interphase II.
D. interphase I.
E. metaphase II.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

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21. The synaptonemal complex is

A. a cluster of microtubules at each pole of the cell.
B. a network of microtubules that forms the spindle apparatus.
C. a network of proteins that holds homologues together.
D. the area where microtubules attach to the centromere of each chromosome.
E. a region of highly coiled DNA.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

22. At the end of meiosis II, each of the four resulting cells contains
A. one full set of chromosomes, each with 2 molecules of DNA.
B. two full sets of chromosomes, each with 2 molecules of DNA.
C. one full set of chromosomes, each with 1 molecule of DNA.
D. two full sets of chromosomes, each with 1 molecule of DNA.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.04

23. Which best describes the process of independent assortment?

A. The way one pair of homologues lines up along the metaphase plate does not affect how
any other pair lines up.
B. Segregation of chromosomes during meiosis I is independent of their segregation during
meiosis II.
C. During synapsis, chromosomes pair up at random.
D. Crossing over along one pair of chromosomes is independent of crossing over along the
other pairs.
E. During synapsis, homologues pair independently of each other.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

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24. In plants and animals, the zygote develops by which of the following processes?
A. mitosis
B. meiosis
C. syngamy
D. synapsis
E. reduction division

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

25. The pairing of homologous chromosomes is called

A. syngamy.
B. synapsis.
C. alignment.
D. independent assortment.
E. crossing over.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

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26. Which best explains the process of meiosis?

A. The cells that result from meiosis I are haploid, and each chromosome consists of 1
chromatid.
B. The cells that result from meiosis I are haploid, and each chromosome consists of 2
chromatids.
C. The cells that result from meiosis II are haploid, and each chromosome consists of 2
chromatids.
D. The cells that result from meiosis I are diploid, and each chromosome consists of 2
chromatids.
E. The cells that result from meiosis I are diploid, and each chromosome consists of 1
chromatid.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.02.02 Explain why meiosis I is called the reductive division.
Section: 11.02

27. During meiosis, sister chromatids are held together by

A. a common centromere and kinetochore microtubules.
B. a common centromere and chiasmata.
C. a common centromere and polar microtubules.
D. a common centromere and a protein called cohesion.
E. the kinetochores and a protein called cohesion.

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.04.02 Describe the differences in chromatid cohesion in meiosis and mitosis.
Section: 11.04

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28. What immediately follows meiosis I?

A. DNA replication
B. prophase II
C. metaphase II
D. synapsis of homologues
E. crossing over of homologues

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

29. All of the following increase genetic variation EXCEPT

A. crossing over.
B. random fertilization.
C. independent assortment.
D. mitosis.
E. mutation.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.04

30. One of a pair of chromosomes with similar genetic information and from different
sources like the sperm and egg.
A. chiasma
B. homologue
C. kinetochore
D. synapsis
E. synaptonemal

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

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31. Which structures indicate where crossing over has occurred?

A. chiasmata
B. centromeres
C. kinetochores
D. centrioles
E. spindle fibers

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

32. Which structure holds two homologous chromosomes together?

A. centromere
B. kinetochore
C. polar microtubules
D. spindle apparatus
E. synaptonemal complex

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

33. During anaphase I, which best represents segregation of the chromatids that make up one
pair of homologues? (M represents a maternal chromatid and P represents a paternal
chromatid. Assume no crossing over occurs.)
A. M and M to one pole; P and P to the other pole.
B. M and P to one pole; M and P to the other pole.
C. M to one pole; P to the other pole.
D. half of M and half of P to each pole.
E. the segregation of these chromatids is completely random.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

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34. You are studying meiosis in an organism where 2n= 28. How many chromosomes will
be present in each cell after meiosis I is complete but before meiosis II begins?
A. 7
B. 14
C. 28
D. 56
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Clarify Question
· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

o The question asks about the number of chromosomes present after meiosis I.
· What type of thinking is required?
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of meiosis to calculate how many
chromosomes will be in a cell after meiosis I.
· What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
o An organism where 2n=28. This means that the haploid cells formed after meiosis
will have 14 chromosomes.
o After meiosis I – in meiosis I the chromosome pairs line up on the equator and
separate.
o Before meiosis II – in meiosis II the sister chromatids separate.
Gather Content
· What do you know about meiosis? How does it relate to the question?
o In meiosis there are two stages, in meiosis I the chromosome pairs line up on the
equator and separate. Then in meiosis II the sister chromatids separate.
Consider Possibilities
· What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?
o If the 2n=28 in a cell, then the only two possible answers are n-14 or 2n=28 for
haploid or diploid cells respectively. If a cell had 7 chromosomes that would be less than half
the chromosomes of a haploid cell. If a cell had 56 chromosomes the cell would be tetraploid.
Choose Answer
· Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most
likely to produce the correct answer?
o If a cell going into meiosis has 28 chromosomes, these will form 14 pairs that line up
during meiosis I and separate, forming two cells each with 14 chromosomes. After meiosis II
the sister chromatids would separate forming four cells that are each haploid.
Reflect on Process
· Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the
process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a
more desirable result?
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of meiosis to predict how many
chromosomes would be in a cell after meiosis I. If you got the correct answer, great job! If
you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that the
chromosome pairs separate during meiosis I? Did you think that the chromosome with two
sister chromatids was actually two separate chromosomes?
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11-16

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02
Type: Quantitative Reasoning

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35. You are studying meiosis in an organism where 2n=24. How many chromosomes will
each nucleus have after meiosis II is complete?
A. 24
B. 12
C. 6
D. 48
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Clarify Question

o The question asks about the number of chromosomes in a cell after meiosis.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of meiosis to predict the number of
chromosomes in a cell.
o An organism where 2n=24. This means that the haploid cells formed after meiosis
will have 12 chromosomes.
Gather Content
o If the 2n=24 in a cell, then the only two possible answers are n-12 or 2n=24 for
haploid or diploid cells respectively. If a cell had 6 chromosomes that would be less than half
the chromosomes of a haploid cell. If a cell had 48 chromosomes the cell would be tetraploid.
Choose Answer
o If a cell going into meiosis has 24 chromosomes, these will form 12 pairs that line up
during meiosis I and separate, forming two cells each with 12 chromosomes. After meiosis II
the sister chromatids would separate forming four cells that are each haploid still with 12
chromosomes.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of meiosis to predict how many
chromosomes would be in a cell after meiosis II. If you got the correct answer, great job! If
you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that meiosis
forms haploid cells? Did you confuse meiosis with mitosis and think that meiosis forms
diploid cells?
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11-20

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

36. You are comparing the events of meiosis I in cells from several different organisms. You
come across one species in which you do not observe any chiasmata. The best conclusion to
make is
A. there is no crossing over between non-sister chromatids
B. kinetochores of sister chromatids do not fuse
C. the chromosome pairs will not assort independently
D. chiasmata will form during meiosis II

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

37. Which statement about the reductive division of meiosis is false?

A. During the reductive division, homologues migrate to opposite poles of the cell.
B. During the reductive division, sister chromatids migrate to opposite poles of the cell.
C. During the reductive division, centromeres do not divide.
D. At the end of the reductive division, each daughter nucleus has one-half as many
centromeres as the parental nucleus.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.02

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38. The Rec8 protein holds sister chromatids together during meiosis. If an individual has a
mutation that prevents degradation of Rec8, this would most likely prevent
A. normal segregation during meiosis I.
B. normal segregation during meiosis II.
C. synapsis of homologous chromosomes.
D. crossing over during prophase I.
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Clarify Question

o The question asks about the role of Rec8 on chromatid separation.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of chromatids to predict what would
happen if they could not separate.
o Rec8 protein holds sister chromatids together – Rec8 is part of the cohesin that holds
sister chromatids together. It needs to be degraded to allow sister chromatids to separate in
anaphase II of meiosis
Gather Content
o If the sister chromatids cannot separate this would happen in meiosis II and not
meiosis I.
o Rec8 is part of cohesin, it won’t be involved in crossing over or synapsis.
Choose Answer
o The best answer is that without being able to degrade Rec8 and cohesin the
chromosomes will not be able to segregate normally during meiosis II.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of the role of Rec8 and cohesin
to predict what would happen if it was inhibited during meiosis. If you got the correct answer,
great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall
that Rec8 was part of cohesin and holds sister chromatids together until it is degraded in
meiosis II? Did you think that the sister chromatids separate in meiosis I? Did you think that
Rec8 was involved in crossing over or the synapse instead of being part of cohesin?
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Blooms Level: 4. Analyze
Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.04.02 Describe the differences in chromatid cohesion in meiosis and mitosis.
Section: 11.04

11-24
39. Which of the following is likely to occur if you were to prevent cyclin B from associating
with its cyclin-dependent kinase near the end of meiosis I?
A. failure to maintain sister chromatid cohesion at the centromere
B. failure to form initiation complexes necessary for DNA replication to proceed
C. suppression of DNA replication
D. activation of DNA replication
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Clarify Question

o The question asks about the effect of loss of cyclin on a kinase activity.
o You are being asked to analyze several statements that predict what would happen if a
cyclin cannot bind a kinase.
o Cyclin B associating with its cyclin-dependent kinase – when cyclin B binds its kinase
then the kinase is active and the cell will progress into the next checkpoint in the cell cycle.
For the cell to progress further, the cyclin needs to be degraded.
Gather Content
· What do you know about cyclins and cell check points? How does it relate to the
question?
o There are three main check points in the cell cycle. G1/S, G2/M and one in
mitosis/meiosis to check for proper spindle formation. Cyclins need to be degraded and stop
binding to their associated kinase for the cell to progress through the next check point.
o During mitosis, the destruction of mitotic cyclin is necessary for a cell to enter another
division cycle. The result of this maintenance of cyclin B between meiotic divisions in germ-
line cells is the failure to form initiation complexes necessary for DNA replication to proceed.
This failure to form initiation complexes appears to be critical to suppressing DNA
replication.
Choose Answer
o Since cyclin B suppresses a cell from replicating DNA, loss of cyclin B would lead to
an increase in DNA replication.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to analyze different statements explaining what would happen
if cyclin B was inhibited in a cell. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an
incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that cyclin B needs to be
degraded for a cell to replicate DNA? Did you realize that the cyclin B would not affect the
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steps in chromosome separation of meiosis?

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.04.03 Explain the importance of the suppression of replication between meiotic divisions.
Section: 11.04

40. Which of the following statements about crossing over is false?

A. Crossing over takes place between non-sister chromatids.
B. Crossing over takes place between sister chromatids.
C. Crossing over occurs during prophase I.
D. Sites of crossing over are called chiasmata.
E. Crossing over is also called genetic recombination.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

41. A life cycle that regularly alternates between haploid and diploid stages is found in all of
the following EXCEPT
A. dogs
B. the bacterium E. coli
C. alfalfa plants
D. the mold N. crassa

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

11-28
42. In 95% of cases of Down's syndrome, there is one extra chromosome (number 21) in
every cell. This aneuploid condition is most likely the result of
A. failure to suppress DNA replication between meiosis I and meiosis II.
B. failure of the chromosomes to assort independently during meiosis.
C. failure of 1 homologous pair to segregate during meiosis.
D. failure of 2 homologous pairs to segregate during meiosis.
E. failure of the cytoplasm to divide at the end of meiosis II.
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Clarify Question

o The question asks about origin of a trisomy.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of meiosis to predict when a third copy
of a chromosome would occur.
o One extra chromosome in every cell – this means that the addition of the extra
chromosome must have happened early in meiosis so that a gamete would contain an extra
chromosome 21.
Gather Content
o During meiosis chromosome pairs separate during meiosis I. If these do not segregate
then a daughter cell would get an extra chromosome.

o The presence of an extra chromosome is due to a problem with segregation, not DNA
replication or independent assortment, which would affect more than one chromosome.
o If two homologous pairs of chromosomes did not segregate then the cell would end up
with two extra chromosomes.
o The division of cytoplasm will not affect the number of chromosomes in a cell.
Choose Answer
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o The best answer is that if one pair of chromosome does not segregate during meiosis
then one daughter cell will obtain two copies of that chromosome. When this gamete fuses
with a normal gamete that contains one copy of each chromosome there will be three copies
of that chromosome.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of meiosis to explain how a
trisomy arises. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where
did the process break down? Did you recall that homologous chromosome pairs separate
during meiosis? Did you understand that if this does not happen one gamete will end up with
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an extra copy of that chromosome while the other will have no chromosome? Did you think
that the extra chromosome arose because of increased DNA replication or a failure of
independent assortment?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

43. Why does sexual reproduction require both meiosis and syngamy?
A. The process of meiosis results in the production of gametes in which the number of
chromosomes remains the same. During syngamy, two gametes fuse to form a new cell, and
the number of chromosomes is restored to the full amount. Therefore, by coupling meiosis
and syngamy, the organism ensures that the proper number of chromosomes will be
maintained.
B. The process of meiosis results in the production of gametes in which the number of
chromosomes is reduced by half. During syngamy, two gametes fuse to form a new cell, and
the number of chromosomes is restored to the full amount. Therefore, by coupling meiosis
and syngamy, the organism ensures that the proper number of chromosomes will be
maintained.
C. The process of meiosis results in the production of gametes in which the number of
chromosomes is doubled. During syngamy, gametes are reduced by half, and the number of
chromosomes is restored to the full amount. Therefore, by coupling meiosis and syngamy, the
organism ensures that the proper number of chromosomes will be maintained.

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

Check All That Apply Questions

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44. Which cells never divide by meiosis? (Check all that apply.)
__X__ haploid cells
_____ diploid cells
__X__ somatic cells
_____ germ-line cells
__X__ zygotes

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.01.02 Distinguish between germ-line and somatic cells.
Section: 11.01

11-33
45. A cell biologist examines a skin cell from a lizard during metaphase of mitosis and
determines that 20 chromatids are present. The role of meiosis in this species is to (Check all
that apply)
__X__ Produce 4 daughter cells that are genetically different from each other.
__X__ Produce 4 daughter cells that are genetically different from the original parental cell.
__X__ Reduce the number of chromosomes per cell from 10 to 5.
_____ Reduce the number of chromosomes per cell from 20 to 10.
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the number of chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis.
o You are being asked to use your knowledge of mitosis and meiosis to analyze statements about the products of
meiosis.
o 20 chromatids in metaphase of mitosis – after replication of DNA during S phase each chromosome now contains two
attached sister chromatids.
Gather Content
o If there are 20 chromatids in a cell, this means the diploid cell has 10 chromosomes.
o These will separate during meiosis to form gametes that are haploid, each containing 5 chromosomes.
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o The diploid cell has 10 chromosomes, so it cannot decrease from 20 to 10 chromosomes.
Choose Answer
o Due to independent assortment and crossing over these gametes will be genetically different from each other.
Because the gametes are haploid and the parental cell is diploid these cells will also be genetically different from each other.
o Because the parental cell has 10 chromosomes, after meiosis it will be haploid with 5 chromosomes.
Reflect on Process
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the
·
o This question asked you to analyze statements about meiosis and choose which are correct. If you got the correct
answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that a cell with 20
chromatids would have 10 chromosomes? Did you understand that during meiosis these cells would drop from 10 to 5
chromosomes? Did you realize that after meiosis the gametes would be genetically distinct from each other and from the
parental diploid cell?
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Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

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46. A cell biologist examines a leaf cell from an alfalfa plant during metaphase of mitosis and
determines that 32 chromatids are present. The role of fertilization in this species is to
(Check all that apply)
__X__ Produce a new cell that has a combination of chromosomes from 2 different parents.
_____ Increase the number of chromosomes per cell from 16 to 32.
__X__ Increase the number of chromosomes per cell from 8 to 16.
__X__ Combine the chromosomes from 2 haploid cells into a single diploid cell.
Clarify Question

o The question asks about what happens during fertilization.
o You are being asked to analyze statements about fertilization to choose which is correct.
o 32 chromatids in metaphase of mitosis – after replication of DNA during S phase each chromosome now contains two
attached sister chromatids.
Gather Content
· What do you know about fertilization? How does it relate to the question?
o In fertilization two haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid fertilized egg.
o If a cell has 32 chromatids, these chromatids are paired as a chromosome. So the diploid number for this cell will be
16 chromosomes. If this cell goes through meiosis forming haploid gametes, each gamete will have 8 chromosomes
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o In fertilization two haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid cell. In this case the haploid gametes each have 8
chromosomes, so they could not fuse to form a cell with 32 chromosomes.
Choose Answer
o In fertilization two haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid cell. In this case the haploid gametes each have 8
chromosomes, so they would fuse to form a cell with 16 chromosomes.
o Because these gametes contain chromosomes from two different individuals, the chromosomes in the fertilized cell
will be a combination of those from the two different parents.
Reflect on Process
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the
·
o This question asked you to analyze statements about fertilization to explain properties of the cell that is formed. If you
got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that if a
cell has 32 chromatids its diploid number is 16 chromosomes? Could you calculate that the haploid gametes would have half
the number of chromosomes or 8? Did you understand that during fertilization two haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid
cell containing 16 chromosomes that would be combined from two different parents?
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Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01


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47. The most common form of gene therapy involves inserting a normal gene into cells that
contain a defective version of the gene. In order to use gene therapy to prevent a man from
passing a defective gene on to future generations, you should try to insert normal copies of the
gene into
A. blood cells.
B. germ-line cells.
C. somatic cells in the testes.
D. bone marrow cells.
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Clarify Question

o The question asks about the transfer of genetic information to the next generation.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of fertilization to explain which types of
cells produce gametes.
o Passing a defective gene on to future generations – gametes are used to transfer
genetic material from one generation to the next.
Gather Content
· What do you know about fertilization? How does it relate to the question?
o Gametes pass genetic information from one generation to the next. If you want to
correct a defective gene so it cannot be passed on, it would need to be done in gametes.
Consider Possibilities · What other information is related to the question? Which
information is most useful?
o Gametes are produced by meiosis in specific cells in the body. This does not happen
in somatic cells like blood cells or bone marrow cells.
Choose Answer
o Gametes are produced in germ-line cells in the testes and ovaries. If gene therapy is
done on these cells, then the gametes they produce would contain the fixed gene and this
would be passed on to future generations.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of gamete production to predict
which cells would pass genetic changes on to the next generation. If you got the correct
answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you
recall that germ-line cells produce gametes? Did you realize that the changes would need to
be made in the gametes to be passed on to the next generation? Did you think that changes in
somatic cells like blood and bone marrow cells could be passed on to the next generation?
11-41

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.01

Fill in the Blank Questions

11-42
48. If a germ-line cell from an owl contains 8 picograms of DNA during G1 of interphase,
how many picograms of DNA would be present in each cell during prophase I of meiosis?
(Enter the number only, not the units.)
16
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the amount of DNA in a cell at different stages of meiosis.
o You are being asked to analyze the amount of DNA present at different stages of
meiosis.
o 8 picograms of DNA in G1 – after S phase the cell will have 16 picograms of DNA.
During prophase I the cell will not have segregated any chromosomes yet.
Gather Content
o After G1 a cell enters S phase where the chromosomes replicate. The chromosomes
then condense in prophase I but do not divide until anaphase of meiosis.
o The chromosomes replicate but do not divide, so the cells will have twice the mass of
DNA as in G1.
Choose Answer
11-43
o Because the DNA has duplicated, but not divided again, the cells will have twice as
much DNA. So, if they had 8 picograms to start with they will now have 16 picograms.
Reflect on Process
·Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did
the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce
a more desirable result?
o This question asked you to calculate the amount of DNA in a cell at a specific stage in
meiosis. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the
process break down? Did you recall that after G1 the cells will duplicate their DNA? Did you
realize that the cells in prophase I will not have divided their DNA yet?
11-44


Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

49. If a somatic cell from a cat contains 40 picograms of DNA during G2 of interphase, how
many picograms of DNA would be present in each cell during metaphase II of meiosis?
(Enter the number only, not the units.)
20
11-45
Clarify Question

meiosis.
o 40 picograms of DNA in G2 – a cell in G2 will have already gone through S phase so it
will not gain any more DNA. In moving to metaphase II the cell will have gone through one
division.
Gather Content
o After G2 a cell will go through meiosis I and the amount of DNA in each cell will be
cut in half. In metaphase II the cells will not have divided again.
o The chromosomes will have duplicated in S phase and divided once in meiosis I but
will not have divided a second time in metaphase II.
11-46
Choose Answer
o The DNA has already duplicated in G2 and will go through one division in meiosis. So,
if a cell had 40 picograms of DNA in G2 then after one division the cells will each have 20
picograms.
Reflect on Process
process break down? Did you recall that after G2 the cells had duplicated their DNA? Did
you realize that the cells in metaphase II will have divided their DNA once?
11-47

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

11-48
50. If a germ-line cell from a salamander contains 10 picograms of DNA during G1 of

interphase, how many picograms of DNA would be present in each gamete produced by this
species? (Enter the number only, not the units.)
5
11-49
Clarify Question

meiosis.
o 10 picograms of DNA in G1 – after S phase the cell will have 20 picograms of DNA.
During meiosis the cell will go through two cell divisions, cutting the amount of DNA in half
each time.
Gather Content
o After G1, a cell enters S phase and the chromosomes replicate. The chromosomes then
divide twice through meiosis.

o The chromosomes replicate during S phase and divide twice during meiosis, so the
mass of DNA will be half as much as in G1.
11-50
Choose Answer
o Because the DNA has duplicated after S phase the cell will have 20 picograms of
DNA. After meiosis I the two daughter cells will have 10 picograms of DNA. After meiosis II
the four gametes will have 5 picograms of DNA
Reflect on Process
process break down? Did you recall that after G1 the cells will duplicate their DNA? Did you
realize that after meiosis two rounds of division would occur?
11-51

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

51. How many tetrads are present in a single elephant cell (2n=56) during metaphase I of
meiosis?
28
11-52
Clarify Question

o The question asks about tetrads.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of tetrads to calculate how many will be
present in a cell during metaphase I of meiosis.
o A Number of tetrad in a cell with 2n=56.
Gather Content
· What do you know about tetrads? How does it relate to the question?
o Tetrads form during metaphase I of meiosis when homologous chromosomes pair up.
They are called tetrads because they contain four strands of DNA, two sister chromatids for
each chromosome.
o If a cell is diploid, it has pairs of chromosomes equal to half the number of
chromosomes in the diploid cell.
Choose Answer
11-53
o If a cell has a 2n=56 then it has 28 pairs of chromosomes. During metaphase I of
meiosis these pairs form tetrads. Thus, if there are 28 pairs of chromosomes there will be 28
tetrads.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of tetrads to calculate the number
in a cell during metaphase I of meiosis. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an
incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that tetrads are formed
from pairs of homologous chromosomes? Did you realize that if a diploid cell had 56
chromosomes that it would have 28 pairs? Did you think that each chromosome would form a
tetrad by itself? Did you think that a tetrad contained four chromosomes?
11-54

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03


52. A geneticist examines a somatic cell from a fly during metaphase of mitosis and
determines that 16 chromatids are present. If a germ-line cell from this species divides by
meiosis, then at the end of meiosis I (including the first cytokinesis) each cell will contain
A. 8 chromosomes with 8 DNA molecules.
B. 8 chromosomes with 16 DNA molecules.
C. 4 chromosomes with 4 DNA molecules.
D. 4 chromosomes with 8 DNA molecules.
11-55
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the number of chromosomes present in a cell after meiosis I.
o You are being asked to calculate the number of chromosomes present in a cell after
meiosis.
o A cell in metaphase of mitosis has 16 chromatids – there are two chromatids in a
chromosome after going through S phase.
Gather Content
o If a diploid cell has 16 chromatids, these will consist of 8 pairs of sister chromatids
which each make a chromosome.
o In meiosis I chromosome pairs align and then separate. So after meiosis I the cells will
be diploid, containing one copy of each chromosome.
o Each chromosome after meiosis I consists of two sister chromatids.
Choose Answer
11-56
o If the cell has 16 chromatids during metaphase of mitosis, this means the diploid
number of the cell is 8 chromosomes. After meiosis I the cells will now be haploid with 4
chromosomes.
o In metaphase I of meiosis, the chromosome pairs each align. As each chromosome
contains a pair of sister chromatids, this forms a tetrad. After meiosis I the cells will now be
haploid, but each chromosome will contain two chromatids. So for each chromosome there
will be two DNA molecules, so the 4 chromosomes will contain 8 DNA molecules.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to analyze a problem to calculate the number of chromosomes
and DNA molecules in a cell after meiosis I. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you
got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you understand that the
diploid number would be 8 chromosomes? Could you calculate that after meiosis I the cell
11-57
would now be haploid with 4 chromosomes? Did you understand that each chromosome
would contain 2 sister chromatids, meaning the cell has 8 DNA molecules?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

11-58
53. Non-disjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes to separate during meiosis I,

or the failure of sister chromatids to separate during meiosis II or mitosis. As a result, both
homologous chromosomes or both sister chromatids migrate to the same pole of the cell. This
produces daughter cells with an imbalance of chromosomes. A cell biologist examines the
final products of meiosis in an earthworm (2n=36) and finds 2 cells with 20 chromosomes,
and 2 cells with 16 chromosomes. Most likely this was because
A. 2 pairs of sister chromatids failed to separate during meiosis II.
B. 1 pair of sister chromatids failed to separate during meiosis II.
C. 2 pairs of homologous chromosomes failed to separate during meiosis I.
D. 1 pair of homologous chromosomes failed to separate during meiosis I.
11-59
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the effect of non-disjunction on the number of chromosomes
in a gamete.
o You are being asked to analyze different statements about non-disjunction to explain
how many chromosomes would be present in a gamete.
o (2n=36) and finds 2 cells with 20 chromosomes, and 2 cells with 16 chromosomes – If
a cell has 2n=36, then n=18. The haploid cells produced have either 20 or 16 chromosomes,
so plus or minus 2 chromosomes.
Gather Content
· What do you know about non-disjunction? How does it relate to the question?
o In non-disjunction, chromosomes fail to segregate, leading to gametes with extra or
missing chromosomes. If n=18, and the haploid gametes have either 16 or 20 chromosomes,
then both cells either gained or lost two additional chromosomes.
11-60
o If the non-disjunction happens during meiosis I, then the two daughter cells will have
either missing or extra chromosomes. When these daughter cells go through a second
division in meiosis II then both of their daughter cells would inherit the same number of
chromosomes. So the four daughter cells would all contain extra or missing chromosomes.
o If the non-disjunction happens during meiosis II, one of the original daughter cells will
divide normally producing two new daughter cells with the correct number of chromosomes.
The cell that goes through non-disjunction will produce two daughter cells with abnormal
chromosomes. So in this case two gametes would end up with a normal number of
chromosomes and two would have extra or missing chromosomes.
Choose Answer
o Because the original diploid cell contains (2n=36), the haploid cell would end up with
18 chromosomes. Because there are 2 cells with 20 chromosomes, and 2 cells with 16
chromosomes the non-disjunction must have happened in the first round of meiosis. Non-
disjunction would have led to two cells, one with 20 chromosomes and one with 16, each of
these chromosomes would contain two sister chromatids. In meiosis II the two cells would
divide again producing two haploid cells with 20 chromosomes and two with 16
chromosomes.
11-61
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to analyze the results of an experiment to predict when non-
disjunction occurred. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer,
where did the process break down? Did you recall -that if non-disjunction occurs in the first
round of meiosis I the two daughter cells would then divide producing identical gametes? Did
you realize that if non-disjunction occurred in meiosis II that one daughter cell would produce
two gametes with the correct number of chromosomes and the second undergoing non-
disjunction would produce gametes with extra or missing chromosomes?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

11-62
54. Non-disjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes to separate during meiosis I,

or the failure of sister chromatids to separate during meiosis II or mitosis. As a result, both
homologous chromosomes or both sister chromatids migrate to the same pole of the cell. This
produces daughter cells with an imbalance of chromosomes. If 18 pairs of sister chromatids
segregate normally during meiosis II in cats (n=19) but we have non-disjunction of 1 pair,
then at the end of meiosis II we will have
A. 3 cells with 20 chromosomes and 1 cell with 18.
B. 2 cells with 20 chromosomes and 2 cells with 18.
C. 2 cells with 19 chromosomes, 1 with 20, and 1 with 18.
D. 3 cells with 18 chromosomes and 1 cell with 20.
11-63
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the effect of non-disjunction on the number of chromosomes
in a gamete.
o You are being asked to analyze different statements about non-disjunction to explain
how many chromosomes would be present in a gamete.
o If 18 pairs of sister chromatids segregate normally during meiosis II in cats (n=19) but
we have non-disjunction of 1 pair – if n=19 and only 18 pairs of sister chromatids segregate
normally then one pair must go through non-disjunction leading to extra or missing
chromosomes.
Gather Content
· What do you know about non-disjunction? How does it relate to the question?
o In non-disjunction, chromosomes fail to segregate, leading to gametes with extra or
missing chromosomes. If n=19 then a normally segregating cell would have 19 chromosomes
and those with an extra or missing chromosome would have 20 or 18 chromosomes
respectively.
11-64
o If the non-disjunction happens during meiosis I, then the two daughter cells will have
either missing or extra chromosomes. When these daughter cells go through a second
division in meiosis II then both of their daughter cells would inherit the same number of
chromosomes. So the four daughter cells would all contain extra or missing chromosomes.
o If the non-disjunction happens during meiosis II, one of the original daughter cells will
divide normally producing two new daughter cells with the correct number of chromosomes.
The cell that goes through non-disjunction will produce two daughter cells with abnormal
chromosomes. So in this case two gametes would end up with a normal number of
chromosomes and two would have extra or missing chromosomes.
Choose Answer
o Because the normal haploid cell has 19 chromosomes and the non-disjunction happens
in meiosis II, after meiosis I both daughter cells will have 19 chromosomes with chromatid
pairs. After meiosis II one cell would go through normal separation of the sister chromatids
producing two haploid cells with 19 chromosomes. In the second cell that goes through non-
disjunction, 18 of the sister chromatids would separate normally while one sister chromatid
pair would not separate. Thus one gamete would end up with one fewer chromosome for 18
11-65
total and the other would end up with an extra chromosome with 20 total.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to analyze the results of an experiment to predict how many
chromosomes a cell would have when non-disjunction occurred. If you got the correct answer,
great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall
that if non-disjunction occurs in meiosis II half of the gametes will have the normal number of
chromosomes and half will have extra or missing chromosomes? Did you think that three of
the cells would have the normal number of chromosomes and only one would end up with an
abnormal number?

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

Fill in the Blank Questions

11-66
55. A cell biologist examines a diploid cell from a particular species of during metaphase of
mitosis and determines that 8 centromeres are present. Based on this finding, how many
centromeres should be present in a single cell from this species during anaphase II of meiosis?
11-67
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the number of centromeres at different stages of the cell
cycle.
o You are being asked to analyze an experiment to predict how many centromeres would
be present.
o A cell in metaphase of mitosis has 8 centromeres – this means that the diploid number
of chromosomes is 8.
Gather Content
· What do you know about centromeres? How does it relate to the question?
o Centromeres are at the center of a chromosome. They pair up during metaphase. So if
a cell has 8 centromeres in its diploid state it has 8 chromosomes.
o In anaphase II the cells will now be haploid and contain half as many chromosomes.
Each chromosome still contains one centromere.
Choose Answer
o If the diploid number is 8, the haploid number will be 4 chromosomes, each with one
centromere. Thus, the cell will have 4 centromeres.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to analyze the results of an experiment to calculate the
number of centromeres on chromosomes in cells in anaphase II of meiosis. If you got the
correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down?
Did you recall that each chromosome contains a centromere? Did you realize that in anaphase
II of meiosis the cells would be haploid?
11-68

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

11-69
56. A cell biologist examines a diploid cell from a particular species of butterfly during
prometaphase of mitosis and determines that 10 centromeres are present. Based on this
finding, how many chromatids should be present in a single cell from this species in
metaphase I of meiosis?
20
11-70
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the number of chromatids in a cell during meiosis.
o You are being asked to analyze an experiment to predict the number of chromatids
present in metaphase I of meiosis.
o 10 centromeres are present in prometaphase. This means the cell has a diploid number
of 10 chromosomes.
Gather Content
· What do you know about the number of chromatids in a cell? How does it relate to the
question?
o Sister chromatids are formed after DNA replicates. Pairs of sister chromatids are
chromosomes.
o In metaphase I of meiosis, pairs of homologous chromosomes pair up, each with two
sister chromatids.
Choose Answer
11-71

o If a cell has 10 centromeres in prometaphase it has 10 chromosomes. The cell is still
diploid, so 2n=10. In metaphase I of meiosis there will still be 10 chromosomes. Each
chromosome contains two sister chromatids. So there will be 20 chromatids in total.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to analyze the results of an experiment to calculate how many
chromatids are present in metaphase I. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an
incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you understand that the cell would
still be diploid in metaphase I? Did you realize that each chromosome would have a
centromere? Did you understand that each chromosome would have two sister chromatids?
11-72

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03


11-73
57. Meiosis results in a reassortment of maternal chromosomes (inherited from the mother)
and paternal chromosomes (inherited from the father). If n=4 for a given species, and ignoring
the effects of crossing over, what is the probability that a gamete will receive only paternal
chromosomes?
A. 1/2
B. 1/4
C. 1/8
D. 1/16
11-74
Clarify Question

o The question asks about the probabilities in independent assortment.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of independent assortment to calculate
the probability of all chromosomes in a gamete coming from one parent.
o Probability that a gamete will receive only paternal chromosomes – by independent
assortment, chromosomes align independently. The probability that four chromosomes all
align together will be the product of each probability individually.
Gather Content
· What do you know about independent assortment? How does it relate to the question?
o For each chromosome pair lining up during metaphase I of meiosis there is a 50:50
probability for it to move into one new cell or the other.
11-75
o The probability of independent assortment is like flipping a coin. If the odds of a head
is 50% or ½, then the probability of two heads is ½ x ½ or ¼. .
Choose Answer
o Following the coin tossing analogy. If a cell has 4 chromosomes that segregate
independently the probability that the chromosomes from the father would all move to one
cell is ½ x ½ x ½ x ½ = 1/16.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of independent assortment. If
you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process
break down? Did you recall that the probability of two chromosomes segregate together is the
probability of each event separately multiplied? Did you think that the probabilities would be
added?
11-76

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

58. A cell in G2 before meiosis begins, compared with one of the four cells produced at the
end of meiosis II, has
A. twice as much DNA and twice as many chromosomes
B. four times as much DNA and twice as many chromosomes
C. twice as much DNA but the same number of chromosomes
D. four times as much DNA and four times as many chromosomes
E. twice as much DNA and half as many chromosomes

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

11-77
59. In meiosis, sister kinetochores are attached to the same pole of the cell during meiosis I,
and sister chromatid cohesion is released during anaphase II. What would be the likely result
if sister kinetochores were attached to different poles of the cell during meiosis I and sister
chromatid cohesion was released during anaphase I?
A. Sister chromatids would migrate to opposite poles during anaphase I.
B. Sister chromatids would migrate to opposite poles during anaphase II.
C. Sister chromatids would migrate to the same pole during anaphase I.
D. Sister chromatids would migrate to the same pole during anaphase II.
11-78
Clarify Question

o The question asks about separation of sister chromatids in meiosis.
o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of sister chromatids to predict what
would happen if the separated in anaphase I of meiosis.
o Sister chromatid cohesin was released during anaphase I – this means that the sister
chromatids would separate during meiosis.
Gather Content
· What do you know about separation of sister chromatids? How does it relate to the
question?
o Normally sister chromatids remain attached during meiosis I and anaphase I. The
sister chromatids then separate during anaphase II of meiosis II.
o If the kinetochore microtubules attach to opposite poles then the sister chromatids
would move to opposite poles of the cell.
o If the chromatid cohesin that holds sister chromatids together was released during
anaphase I then the sister chromatids would separate in anaphase I.
Choose Answer
o The cohesin being released in anaphase I and kinetochore microtubules attached to
opposite poles of the cell would result in the sister chromatids migrating to opposite poles in
anaphase I.
Reflect on Process
o This question asked you to apply your understanding of the separation of sister
chromatids to predict what would happen if this occurred in anaphase I. If you got the correct
answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you
recall that once cohesin is released the sister chromatids separate? Did you realize that if the
kinetochore microtubules attach to different poles of the cell, the sister chromatids will
migrate to opposite poles.
11-79
11-80

Gradable: automatic
Section: 11.03

Check All That Apply Questions

60. Sister chromatids move to opposite poles of the cell during (Check all that apply.)
_____ anaphase I of meiosis
_____ metaphase I of meiosis
__X__ anaphase II of meiosis
__X__ anaphase of mitosis

Gradable: automatic
LO: 11.03.03 Differentiate between the events of anaphase I and anaphase II of meiosis.
Section: 11.03

11-81

Multiple Choice Questions: Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

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Multiple Choice Questions: Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

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Chapter 11 - Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

Multiple Choice Questions

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

3. ______ cells contain one set of chromosomes.

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

9. The fusion of a male gamete with a female gamete is called

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

13. The zygote has

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

14. All animal cells are diploid except

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

18. Which of the following events occurs first during meiosis?

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

19. Chromosomes exchange genetic information by

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

20. Crossing over between homologous chromosomes takes place during

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

21. The synaptonemal complex is

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

23. Which best describes the process of independent assortment?

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

25. The pairing of homologous chromosomes is called

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

26. Which best explains the process of meiosis?

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

27. During meiosis, sister chromatids are held together by

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

28. What immediately follows meiosis I?

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

29. All of the following increase genetic variation EXCEPT

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

31. Which structures indicate where crossing over has occurred?

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

32. Which structure holds two homologous chromosomes together?

Blooms Level: 1. Remember

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?

Blooms Level: 3. Apply

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

37. Which statement about the reductive division of meiosis is false?

Blooms Level: 2. Understand

· What is the key concept addressed by the question?