Question

meiosis i is slightly different than mitosis. shown at right are diagrams of the cell in mitosis and meiosis i. what differences do you see? meiosis has more genetic material meiosis has less genetic material meiosis mixes genetic material during cell division meiosis has no genetic material meiosis splits sister chromatids meiosis doesnt split chromatids

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the differences between mitosis and meiosis I:

1. Genetic Material Amount: Both mitosis and meiosis I start with a cell having the same amount of genetic material (diploid). So options about more/less/no genetic material are incorrect.
2. Chromatid Splitting: In mitosis, sister chromatids split. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate, and sister chromatids do not split (this happens in meiosis II).
3. Genetic Mixing: Meiosis I involves processes like crossing - over (mixing of genetic material) during prophase I, which mitosis does not have. This is a key difference.

The option "Meiosis mixes genetic material during cell division" is correct because meiosis I (specifically prophase I) has crossing - over where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, while mitosis does not involve such mixing. The other options are incorrect:

• "Meiosis has more genetic material" is wrong as both start with diploid cells.
• "Meiosis has less genetic material" is wrong for the same reason.
• "Meiosis has no genetic material" is wrong as cells in meiosis have genetic material.
• "Meiosis splits sister chromatids" is wrong as sister chromatids split in meiosis II, not I.
• "Meiosis doesn't split chromatids" is partially true but not the main distinguishing feature related to genetic mixing which is a crucial difference.

Answer:

Meiosis mixes genetic material during cell division