Question

Assertion: Mitosis maintains the genetic similarity of somatic cells.
Reason: Chromosomes do not undergo crossing over during mitosis.

• A. Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.
• B. Both the reason and assertion are true but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion
• C. Assertion is true but reason is false
• D. Both the reason and assertion are false

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation for the assertion.

In mitosis, one cell divides its nucleus and DNA such that each of the two resulting cells has the same amount of DNA as the original cell. The pairing of homologous chromosomes does not occur during mitosis. But in meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair and exchange parts of the chromosome at points where they cross over. Because of this exchange of chromosomal segments, genetic variation is possible in sexually reproducing organisms where gametes are produced as a result of meiosis. On the other hand, genetic similarity of somatic cells is maintained through mitosis.