Question

true/false questions (1 point each):
t1. meiosis produces diploid cells.
a. true
b. false
t2. crossing over increases genetic variation.
a. true
b. false
t3. nondisjunction can lead to genetic disorders.
a. true
b. false
t4. gametes are haploid cells.
a. true
b. false
t5. meiosis occurs in somatic cells.
a. true
b. false

Explanation:

• T1: Meiosis produces haploid cells (gametes), not diploid. Diploid cells are produced by mitosis.
• T2: Crossing over during meiosis exchanges genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic variation.
• T3: Nondisjunction (failure of chromosomes to separate properly) can lead to an abnormal number of chromosomes in gametes, which can cause genetic disorders like Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
• T4: Gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid cells. They have half the number of chromosomes of somatic cells. When they fuse during fertilization, a diploid zygote is formed.
• T5: Meiosis occurs in germ cells (cells that give rise to gametes), not somatic cells. Somatic cells undergo mitosis for growth, repair, etc.

Answer:

T1: B. False
T2: A. True
T3: A. True
T4: A. True
T5: B. False