Question

which of the following best defines the role of mitosis after fertilization?
a it reduces the chromosome number in half
b it creates gametes for reproduction
c it causes the zygote to grow and develop through cell division
d it mixes genetic material between homologous chromosomes

Explanation:

• Option A: Meiosis, not mitosis, reduces the chromosome number by half.
• Option B: Gametes are created by meiosis, not mitosis.
• Option C: After fertilization, the zygote undergoes mitosis. Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This allows the zygote to grow and develop into a multicellular organism.
• Option D: Mixing of genetic material between homologous chromosomes (cross - over) occurs during meiosis, not mitosis.

Answer:

C. It causes the zygote to grow and develop through cell division