Question

A cell has 20 chromosomes. The number of chromosomes in the daughter cells after meiosis is ___________.

• A. 10
• B. 15
• C. 20
• D. 40

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Explanation of the correct answer:

1. Meiosis is also called reduction division.
2. This type of cell division is involved in formation of gametes.
3. The number of chromosomes is reduced to half at the end of meiosis.
4. So, a cell having 20 chromosomes will give rise to four daughter cells having 10 chromosomes after meiosis.

Explanation of the incorrect answers:

Option A:

1. If the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is 20, then the number of chromosomes in the parent cell will be 40.
2. So, this option is invalid.

Option B:

1. If the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is 40, then the number of chromosomes in the parent cell will be 80.
2. So, this option is invalid.

Option C:

1. If the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is 15, then the number of chromosomes in the parent cell will be 30.
2. So, this option is invalid.

Final answer: A cell has 20 chromosomes. The number of chromosomes in the daughter cells after meiosis is 10.