Question

7.2.2 quiz: meiosis
question 3 of 10
why is it necessary for meiosis to produce cells with fewer chromosomes?
a. organisms reproduce sexually by joining two tetrads together.
b. if it did not, the chromosome number would double in each generation.
c. asexual reproduction requires fewer chromosomes than sexual reproduction.
d. it saves energy for the organism to produce fewer chromosomes.

Explanation:

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. In sexual reproduction, when gametes (sperm and egg) fuse during fertilization, the chromosome number is restored. If meiosis did not occur, the chromosome number would double with each generation. For example, if a parent has \(2n\) chromosomes, without meiosis, the zygote (formed by fusion of gametes) would have \(4n\) chromosomes (if gametes had \(2n\) instead of \(n\) due to lack of meiosis). This would lead to an incorrect chromosome number over generations. Option B is incorrect as asexual reproduction doesn't involve meiosis. Option C is about asexual reproduction's energy - related aspect (not relevant here). Option D is also about energy (not relevant to the chromosome - number - related necessity of meiosis).

Answer:

A. Organisms reproduce sexually by joining two tetrads together. If it did not, the chromosome number would double in each generation.