Question

Meiosis is important because:

• A. It generates haploid gametes for sexual reproduction
• B. It generates variations
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. Meiosis and mitosis are the same and are interchangeable

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both (a) and (b)

In sexually reproducing organisms, the new organism is formed by the union of cells from the mother and the father. In order to create a diploid organism, the uniting cells must be haploid so as to maintain the constant chromosome number in the baby. Gametes are haploid cells formed from special diploid cells by meiotic cell division. Hence, meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction.
Also, during meiosis, non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes crossover and exchange genetic material. This leads to recombination of genetic material and this generates variation between the species from one generation to the next generation. Variations play an important role in evolution.

In mitosis, the parent cell divides to give rise to two identical daughter cells. Whereas in meiosis, a parent cell divides to give rise to four daughter cells which have half the chromosome number as the parent cell. Hence mitosis and meiosis are not interchangeable.