Meiosis and Chromosome Basics

What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?

• Mitosis makes body cells, while meiosis makes sperm and egg cells.

• Mitosis makes sperm and egg cells, while meiosis makes body cells.

• Mitosis makes cells with half the chromosomes, while meiosis makes cells with a full set.

• Mitosis happens twice, while meiosis happens once.

How many chromosomes do human sperm and egg cells typically have?

• 46 chromosomes

• 23 chromosomes

• 92 chromosomes

• 12 chromosomes

What important process happens during interphase before meiosis begins?

• The cell divides into two new cells.

• The cell grows and duplicates its DNA.

• Chromosomes exchange genetic information.

• Sperm and egg cells combine.

What is the process called when homologous chromosomes exchange genetic information during meiosis?

• DNA replication

• Independent assortment

• Crossing over

• Nondisjunction