Question

Meiosis does not occur in

• A. Asexually reproducing diploid individuals
• B. Sexually reproducing haploid individuals
• C. Sexually reproducing diploid individuals
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Asexually reproducing diploid individuals

The correct option is Option A.

Explanation of the correct answer:

1. Meiosis is the process in which one diploid eukaryotic cell gets divided into four haploid cells which are often called gametes.
2. It is occurring in all eukaryotes that are reproducing sexually as it is essential for sexual reproduction.
3. It does not occur in bacteria or archaea, as their reproduction is via asexual processes, these processes are binary fission or mitosis.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

1. The specialized haploid cells from two individuals join to form a diploid zygote.
2. The zygote undergoes meiosis and gets divided into four haploid cells.

Option C:

When diploid individuals are sexually reproducing, they also undergo mitosis, as in a haploid-diploid cycle, the entire population is taken over by the sexual diploids.

Final answer: Meiosis does not occur in asexually reproducing diploid individuals.