Answer: The cell needs to grow and duplicate its DNA before the start of meiosis for several important reasons:
1. Chromosome number reduction: Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that results in the formation of gametes (eggs and sperm) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. By duplicating its DNA and growing, the cell ensures that each resulting gamete receives a complete set of genetic information. Without DNA duplication, the gametes would only have half of the necessary genetic material, leading to genetic abnormalities and problems in the offspring.
2. Genetic diversity: Meiosis plays a crucial role in generating genetic diversity. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo crossing over, a process where genetic material is exchanged between chromosomes. This genetic recombination leads to the shuffling of genes and the creation of new combinations of genetic information. By growing and duplicating its DNA, the cell provides more opportunities for genetic recombination and increases the chances of producing genetically diverse offspring.
3. Cell growth and development: Before undergoing meiosis, the cell needs to grow and develop to ensure it has sufficient resources and energy for the process. This growth phase, called interphase, allows the cell to increase in size, produce necessary proteins, and accumulate the resources needed to support meiosis.
In summary, it is necessary for the cell to grow and duplicate its DNA before the start of meiosis to ensure the resulting gametes have a complete set of genetic information, to promote genetic diversity through recombination, and to provide the cell with the necessary resources for a successful meiotic division.
Step-by-step explanation: