Question

question 4.
which of the following statements correctly describes meiosis?
a. meiosis does not occur in reproductive cells
b. the cells produced at the end of meiosis contain half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
c. the cells produced at the end of meiosis are genetically identical to the parent cell.
d. cells divide only once during meiosis

Explanation:

• Option A: Meiosis occurs in reproductive cells (germ cells) to produce gametes, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Meiosis is a reduction - division. The parent cell is diploid (has 2n chromosomes), and the resulting cells (gametes) are haploid (have n chromosomes), meaning they have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This is correct.
• Option C: Due to processes like crossing - over and independent assortment during meiosis, the daughter cells are genetically different from the parent cell and from each other. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: Meiosis consists of two successive cell divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II), so cells divide twice during meiosis. D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. The cells produced at the end of meiosis contain half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell