Question

In the image given below, fill in the blanks with the ploidy number of the cells at the respective stage of meiosis.

• A. (i) - 2n; (ii) - 2n; (iii) - n
• B. (i) - 2n; (ii) - n; (iii) - n
• C. (i) - 2n; (ii) - 2n; (iii) - n
• D. (i) - n; (ii) - 2n; (iii) - n

Answer 1

The correct option is B (i) - 2n; (ii) - n; (iii) - n

From the given image, the cell is diploid - 2n.
After duplication of the DNA, meiosis proceeds via two steps of cell division:

Meiosis I - This is a reduction division. The homologous chromosomes of the diploid cell (2n) get segregated into two haploid (n) daughter cells (each daughter cell now has only half the number of chromosomes).

Meiosis II - This is an equational division. The sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and each group of chromosomes are enclosed by a nuclear membrane. After cytokinesis, four haploid (n) cells are formed.
Based on this, the blanks in the image can be filled as follows: