Question

What does (i) and (ii) represent in the given flowchart?
$\underset{(2n)}{\text{Parent cell}}\stackrel{M-I}{\to }\underset{(i)}{2\text{Daughter cells}}\stackrel{M-II}{\to }\underset{(iii)}{4\text{Daughter cells}}$

• A. (i) = 2n, (ii) = n
• B. (i) = n, (ii) = n
• C. (i) = n, (ii) = 2n
• D. (i) = 2n, (ii) = 2n

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Meiosis I consists of separation of the homologous chromosomes, each made up of two sister chromatids into two cells. Entire haploid content of chromosomes is contained in each of the resulting daughter cells; the first meiotic division therefore reduces the ploidy of the original cell by a factor of 2. Meiosis II consists of decoupling of each chromosome sister strands (chromatids) and segregating the individual chromatids into haploid daughter cells. The two cells resulting from meiosis I divide during meiosis II, creating 4 haploid daughter cells.