Question

In humans during meiosis, a diploid germ cell reduces its chromosome number by half to generate __________ haploid nuclei.

Select one:
a. Two
b. Three
c. Four
d. Twenty-three
e. Forty-six

Answer 1

During meiosis in humans, a diploid germ cell reduces its chromosome number by half to generate four haploid nuclei, ready to become gametes with genetic variation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In humans during meiosis, a diploid germ cell reduces its chromosome number by half to generate four haploid nuclei. This process is integral for sexual reproduction, allowing for the formation of gametes—sperm and egg cells. Prior to meiosis, each germ cell contains 46 chromosomes, or 23 pairs (this state is referred to as diploid).

After undergoing the two stages of meiosis, namely Meiosis I and Meiosis II, without any further DNA replication in between, the result is four haploid daughter cells. Each of these cells has 23 chromosomes, which is half of the original diploid cell's chromosome number; thus, they are called haploid cells.

It's important for these cells to be haploid so that when fertilization occurs, the fusion of sperm and egg will reinstate the diploid number in the zygote that forms, once again giving it 46 chromosomes.

Due to the process of crossover and the independent assortment of chromosomes, the variation among the haploid cells is remarkably high, ensuring genetic diversity among the offspring. Humans have 23 chromosome pairs, and the independent assortment of these chromosomes during meiosis results in over eight million possible combinations (223), not including variability introduced by crossover.