The model shows the process of meiosis.

Question

Use the model to describe how genetic continuity is preserved through meiosis.
A.
Cell 7 shows different colored chromosomes than Cell 8. When meiosis is a part of reproduction, none of the offspring will have similar DNA.

B.
Cell 2 shows twice as many chromosomes as Cell 3. When meiosis is a part of reproduction, the offspring inherits twice as much DNA as its parent.

C.
Cell 6 shows different colored chromatids than Cell 1. When meiosis is a part of reproduction, the offspring's DNA will be entirely different from the parent's DNA.

D.
Cell 5 shows half the number of chromatids present in Cell 1. When meiosis is a part of reproduction, half of the offspring's DNA will come from each parent.

Answer 1

The correct choice that describes how genetic continuity is preserved through meiosis is:

D. Cell 5 shows half the number of chromatids present in Cell 1. When meiosis is a part of reproduction, half of the offspring's DNA will come from each parent.

Meiosis is a process that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in gametes (sperm and eggs) that contain only one set of chromosomes. This ensures that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting offspring will have a complete set of chromosomes, half from the mother and half from the father. This mechanism preserves genetic continuity while allowing for genetic variation through the combination of genetic material from both parents.