Question

which model best characterizes the genetic information in cells during meiosis and fertilization? choose 1 answer: a b c

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the stages of meiosis and fertilization:

1. Meiosis: Produces gametes (sperm/egg) with half the chromosome number (haploid, \(n\)). In the diagram, the top cells (gametes) have 2 chromosomes (haploid).
2. Fertilization: A haploid sperm (\(n\)) and haploid egg (\(n\)) fuse to form a diploid zygote (\(2n\)). The bottom cell in option C shows a combination of chromosomes from two gametes (red and blue), forming a diploid cell with paired chromosomes (one from each parent).

Other options likely fail to show:

• Gametes with half the chromosome number (haploid).
• Fertilization resulting in a diploid cell with chromosomes from both parents.

Answer:

C (the option with the diagram showing haploid gametes (top) fusing to form a diploid zygote (bottom) with chromosomes from both parents)