Site MapHelpFeedbackHow Meiosis Works
How Meiosis Works
(See related pages)

Why is Meiosis Necessary? In order to produce haploid gametes, individuals must have cells that undergo cell division that does not produce daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent. Otherwise the gametes would be diploid and a zygote formed from diploid sperm and egg would be tetraploid. The two stage process of meiosis reduces the number of chromosomes in the cell by half. One chromosome from each homologous pair is present in each gamete.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.






1Centromeres divide in
A)mitosis and meiosis I.
B)mitosis and meiosis II.
C)meiosis II only.
D)meiosis I and meiosis II.
E)mitosis, meiosis I and meiosis II.



2Which of the following describes meiosis II in humans?
A)4N -> 2N
B)2N -> 2N
C)2N -> 1N
D)1N -> 2N
E)1N -> 1N



3Arrange the following events in the proper order in which they occur during meiosis I.

1 = Separation of homologous chromosomes
2 = Synapsis
3 = Crossing-over
4 = Independent assortment
A)1, 2, 3, 4
B)1, 3, 2, 4
C)2, 3, 1, 4
D)2, 3, 4, 1
E)2, 4, 3, 1



4Germ-line cells are haploid but gametes are diploid.
A)True
B)False



5Independent assortment occurs in prophase I.
A)True
B)False







Anatomy & PhysiologyOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 27 > How Meiosis Works