Question

if we examine the diagrams of mitosis and meiosis, we see that in both cases, dna replication occurs. yet one process, mitosis, ensures genetic constancy while the other, meiosis, facilitates genetic variation of daughter cells. identify the choice that does not explain genetic variation of daughter cells following meiosis. a there is a reduction of the chromosome number from diploid to haploid daughter cells. b meiosis is followed by fertilization: the union of gametes to create a diploid zygote. c in metaphase i, each chromosome moves independently of the others: a process called independent assortment. d during prophase i, the homologous pairs of chromosomes often exchange chromosome segments via crossing over

Explanation:

• Option A: Reduction of chromosome number from diploid to haploid is a key feature of meiosis but doesn't directly cause genetic variation in the sense of creating new combinations of alleles. It just halves the chromosome - set.
• Option B: Fertilization after meiosis combines genetic material from two different gametes, increasing genetic variation.
• Option C: Independent assortment in metaphase I leads to different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in gametes, contributing to genetic variation.
• Option D: Crossing - over in prophase I exchanges genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new allele combinations and genetic variation.

Answer:

A. There is a reduction of the chromosome number from diploid to haploid daughter cells.