Meiosis Biology Trivia Quiz

1.

Name the two reproductive cells that humans have

A.

Liver and Heart
B.

Hair and Skin
C.

Eggs and Sperm
D.

Eggs and Spleen

Correct Answer
C. Eggs and Sperm

Explanation
The correct answer is Eggs and Sperm. Humans have two reproductive cells, which are eggs in females and sperm in males. Eggs are produced in the ovaries and released during ovulation, while sperm is produced in the testes. These reproductive cells are necessary for sexual reproduction and the creation of offspring.

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2.

What is another term for egg and sperm cells?

A.

Somatic Cells
B.

Gametes
C.

Body Cells
D.

Immune Cells

Correct Answer
B. Gametes

Explanation
Gametes are another term for egg and sperm cells. Gametes are specialized reproductive cells that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are produced through a process called meiosis, which results in cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells. Unlike somatic cells, which make up the majority of the body and are not involved in reproduction, gametes are specifically designed for fertilization and the formation of a new individual. Therefore, the correct answer is Gametes.

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3.

What type of reproductive cycle produces gametes?

A.

Mitosis
B.

Meiosis
C.

G1 Cycle
D.

DNA Replication

Correct Answer
B. Meiosis

Explanation
Meiosis is the correct answer because it is a type of reproductive cycle that produces gametes. Unlike mitosis, which produces identical cells, meiosis involves two rounds of cell division resulting in the formation of four genetically diverse haploid cells. The purpose of meiosis is to reduce the chromosome number by half, ensuring that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct number of chromosomes. G1 cycle and DNA replication are not directly involved in the production of gametes, making them incorrect choices.

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4.

Meiosis produces cells that...

A.

Have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
B.

Have double the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
C.

Have two less chromosomes than the parent cell
D.

Have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell

Correct Answer
D. Have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell

Explanation
During meiosis, a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, the parent cell undergoes two rounds of division resulting in the production of four daughter cells. These daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This is because during the first round of division, called meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over. This results in genetic variation. Then, during the second round of division, called meiosis II, the sister chromatids separate, resulting in the formation of four haploid daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

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5.

In humans, our body cells each contain 46 chromosomes while our gametes each contain only 23 chromosomes. We could describe our gametes as:

A.

Haploid
B.

Diploid
C.

Haplodiploid
D.

Triploid

Correct Answer
A. Haploid

Explanation
Our gametes can be described as haploid because they contain only half the number of chromosomes compared to our body cells. In humans, our body cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. However, during the process of meiosis, which occurs in the formation of gametes, the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in gametes that are haploid. This reduction in chromosome number is important for sexual reproduction as it allows for the fusion of gametes during fertilization to restore the diploid chromosome number in the offspring.

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6.

We know that dragonfly wing cells each contain 10 chromosomes. We find another dragonfly cell that only has 5 chromosomes. What conclusions can we draw about that cell?

A.

It is a somatic cell created through mitosis
B.

It is a somatic cell created through meiosis
C.

It is a gamete cell created through mitosis
D.

It is a gamete cell created through meiosis

Correct Answer
D. It is a gamete cell created through meiosis

Explanation
The given answer, "It is a gamete cell created through meiosis," is correct because meiosis is the process by which gamete cells, such as sperm and egg cells, are formed. Meiosis involves the reduction of the chromosome number by half, resulting in cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Since the dragonfly cell in question only has 5 chromosomes instead of the usual 10, it suggests that it is a gamete cell created through meiosis.

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7.

What is the purpose of crossing over during meiosis?

A.

Increases the lifespan of the cell
B.

Increases genetic variation in the gametes
C.

Decreases genetic variation in the population
D.

Decreases the chance of harmful mutations

Correct Answer
B. Increases genetic variation in the gametes

Explanation
Crossing over during meiosis is a process where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This results in the recombination of genes and the creation of new combinations of alleles. By increasing genetic variation in the gametes, crossing over promotes diversity within a population. This is important for the survival and adaptation of a species, as it allows for the potential emergence of individuals with advantageous traits. Therefore, the purpose of crossing over is to enhance genetic diversity and increase the chances of producing offspring with favorable genetic characteristics.

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8.

Nondisjunction is causes by a mistake in the separation of chromosomes in which reproductive cycle?

A.

Mitosis
B.

Meiosis
C.

Interphase
D.

Prophase

Correct Answer
B. Meiosis

Explanation
Nondisjunction is caused by a mistake in the separation of chromosomes during the reproductive cycle of meiosis. Meiosis is the process of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs). During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up, exchange genetic material, and then separate into different cells. Nondisjunction occurs when chromosomes fail to separate properly, leading to an abnormal distribution of chromosomes in the resulting gametes. This can result in genetic disorders or conditions such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, or Klinefelter syndrome.

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