Use the model to describe how genetic continuity is preserved through meiosis.

Question

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

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.

This description accurately reflects how genetic continuity is preserved through meiosis. During meiosis, the parent cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) that contain half the number of chromosomes (haploid) compared to the original parent cell (diploid). When fertilization occurs, the resulting offspring inherits genetic material from both parents, thus maintaining genetic continuity while ensuring variation through the combination of the two sets of genetic information.