Question

w
diploid
46
46
46
diploid
diploid
x
diploid
46
23
23
23
23
haploid
y
haploid
46
23
23
diploid
z
haploid
46
46
46
46
46
haploid
which diagram correctly shows a cell undergoing meiotic cell division?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Meiosis Basics

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. It starts with a diploid cell (in humans, \(2n = 46\)) and results in four haploid cells (\(n=23\)).

Step2: Analyze Each Diagram

• Diagram W: Shows diploid to diploid. This is more characteristic of mitosis (which maintains chromosome number).
• Diagram X: Starts with diploid (\(46\)) and forms four haploid (\(23\)) cells. This matches meiosis (two - stage division: meiosis I (diploid to haploid) and meiosis II (similar to mitosis for haploid cells)).
• Diagram Y: Starts with haploid (\(46\)) which is incorrect as meiosis starts with diploid.
• Diagram Z: Starts with haploid (\(46\)) and ends with haploid (\(46\)). Incorrect as meiosis should reduce chromosome number from diploid to haploid.

Answer:

Diagram X