During the First Meiotic Division

Question

During the first meiotic division
A) sperm and oocytes form.
B) homologous chromosome pairs separate.
C) homologous chromosome pairs join.
D) the cell becomes diploid.
E) all of the chromosomes temporarily attach.

Accepted Answer

The first meiotic division is also called the reduction division because it halves the number of chromosomes in the cell. Homologous chromosome pairs separate during this division, resulting in two haploid daughter cells.

Answer: A is incorrect because sperm and oocytes are not formed until the end of meiosis, after both meiotic divisions are complete.

Answer: C is incorrect because homologous chromosome pairs do not join during meiosis. Instead, they undergo synapsis (pairing) during prophase I, and exchange genetic material through crossing over.

Answer: D is incorrect because the first meiotic division actually results in two haploid daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.

Answer: E is incorrect because, while all of the chromosomes do attach to the spindle fibers during the first meiotic division, they do not all attach temporarily; they undergo segregation to opposite poles of the cell.