Principles of Life for the AP Course (2nd Edition)

Published by W. J. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1464156417
ISBN 13: 978-1-46415-641-0

Chapter 7 - Section 7.4 - Meiosis Halves the Nuclear Chromosome Content and Generates Diversity - Apply The Concept - Page 146: 2

Answer

Mitosis creates two genetically identical diploid daughter cells and does this through one nuclear division. On the other hand, Meiosis results in four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different from each other and the parent cell because of crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis. There are two nuclear divisions during meiosis but only one DNA replication, which is why the daughter cells, or gametes, are haploid. Meiosis is used in reproduction as the daughter cells are gametes (sperm or egg cells depending on male or female), and during fertilization two gametes will fuse together into a diploid zygote. One copy of each gene comes from each gamete and goes to the zygote so that the zygote will have a complete set of genes, not less or more.

Work Step by Step

Mitosis creates two genetically identical diploid daughter cells, and does this through one nuclear division. On the other hand, Meiosis results in four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different from each other and the parent cell because of crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis. There are two nuclear divisions during meiosis but only one DNA replication, which is why the daughter cells, or gametes, are haploid. Meiosis is used in reproduction as the daughter cells are gametes (sperm or egg cells depending on male or female), and during fertilization two gametes will fuse together into a diploid zygote. One copy of each gene comes from each gamete goes to the zygote so that the zygote will have a complete set of genes, not less or more.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.