Question

This question concerns cell division. For each of the following statements, say whether it is true for mitosis only, meiosis only, both, or neither (1 mark per statement):

(a) The DNA is replicated before cell division starts.

(b) The homologous chromosomes pair up during division. (

c) The cell divides only once during the process.

(d) The daughter cells contain precisely the same genetic material as each other.

(e) The number of chromosomes in each cell increases during the process

. (f) Recombination of the DNA occurs.

(g) The daughter cells form gametes

Answer 1

a). The DNA is replicated in the S phase before cell division occurs. True for both Mitosis and Meiosis.

b). Homologous Chromosomes pair up during division in only meiosis. True for meiosis, false for mitosis.

c). The cell divides once in mitosis, twice in meiosis. True for mitosis. False for meiosis.

d). Daughter cells contain same genetic material in mitosis. Genetic material varies in meiosis. True for mitosis, false for meiosis.

e). False for both. The number of chromosomes remains the same in mitosis and is reduced by half in meiosis.

f). Recombination of DNA occurs in both mitosis and meiosis. True for both mitosis and meiosis.

g). The daughter cells form gametes in meiosis only. True for meiosis, false for mitosis.