Question

Which of the following statements about the four cells formed after meiosis is true?
(i) All of the four cells are haploid
(ii) Two of the four cells are haploid and the other two are diploid
(iii) They are genetically identical
(iv) They are genetically dissimilar

• A. Only (i)
• B. Both (i) and (ii)
• C. Both (ii) and (iv)
• D. Both (i) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both (i) and (iv)

Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in the reproductive cells of sexually reproducing organisms. This reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of four haploid daughter cells.

During prophase I of meiosis I, the non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes crossover and exchange their genetic material, leading to recombination of the genetic material. The crossed over chromosomes are then segregated into the four haploid cells produced at the end of meiosis. Hence, the four haploid cells are genetically dissimilar.