Question

Assess which questions are relevant to ask about the role of meiosis to form gametes in sexually reproducing individuals. Select the THREE that apply.
A Does meiosis separate homologous chromosomes during the nuclear division?
B Does meiosis create haploid cells that later join in fertilization to form haploid offspring?
C Does meiosis create haploid cells that later join in fertilization to form diploid offspring?
D Does meiosis create diploid cells that later join in fertilization to create diploid offspring?
E Does meiosis separate sister chromatids so that each gamete only has one version of each chromosome?

Answer 1

A, C, and E.

- A: Yes — meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes (reductional division).
- C: Yes — meiosis produces haploid gametes that fuse at fertilization to form a diploid zygote.
- E: Yes — meiosis II separates sister chromatids so each gamete receives one copy of each chromosome.

(B and D are incorrect: meiosis does not produce haploid offspring directly or produce diploid gametes.)