Question

Select the statement(s) that accurately describe how meiosis affects the way in which traits are passed on from parents to offspring.

Meiosis creates four haploid cells that have different combinations of genes for each trait for each cell.

Meiosis is a type of cell division that is used to repair or replenish dead cells (skin cells) to maintain cellular homeostasis.

Meiosis ensures that offspring will have unique traits.

Meiosis prepare the gametes for sexual reproduction.

Meiosis creates four cells that have the same combinations of genes for each trait.

Answer 1

Correct choices: 1 and 4.

- "Meiosis creates four haploid cells that have different combinations of genes for each trait for each cell." — True. Meiosis (with crossing over and independent assortment) produces four genetically different haploid gametes.

- "Meiosis prepare the gametes for sexual reproduction." — True. Meiosis produces the haploid gametes (sperm and egg) needed for sexual reproduction.

Why the others are wrong:
- "Meiosis is a type of cell division that is used to repair or replenish dead cells (skin cells)..." — False. That describes mitosis, not meiosis.
- "Meiosis ensures that offspring will have unique traits." — Misleading. Meiosis increases genetic variation and makes unique combinations likely, but it does not absolutely guarantee uniqueness.
- "Meiosis creates four cells that have the same combinations of genes for each trait." — False. That would describe mitosis; meiosis produces genetically different cells.