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Meiosis Questions in English

Class 11 Biology · Cell Cycle and Cell Division · Meiosis

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201
EasyMCQ
In which phase do the chromatids separate even at the site of chiasmata formation?
A
Pachytene
B
Leptotene
C
Diakinesis
D
Zygotene

Solution

(C) The process described is the terminalization of chiasmata,which occurs during the $Diakinesis$ phase of $Meiosis-I$. During $Diakinesis$,the chromosomes are fully condensed,and the meiotic spindle is assembled to prepare the homologous chromosomes for separation. The chiasmata,which were formed during the $Diplotene$ phase,shift towards the ends of the chromosomes,leading to the separation of chromatids at these sites. Therefore,the correct answer is $Diakinesis$.
202
MediumMCQ
During which phase do the pairs of homologous chromosomes align at the equatorial plate of the cell?
A
Prophase
B
Metaphase
C
Metaphase-$I$
D
Anaphase-$II$

Solution

(C) In meiosis,the process of pairing homologous chromosomes (synapsis) occurs during prophase-$I$.
These homologous pairs then align at the equatorial plate (metaphase plate) during metaphase-$I$.
This alignment is a characteristic feature of meiosis-$I$,which ensures that homologous chromosomes are separated into different daughter cells.
Therefore,the correct phase is metaphase-$I$.
203
EasyMCQ
What is the stage between two meiotic divisions called?
A
Cell division
B
Interphase
C
$M$-phase
D
Interkinesis

Solution

(D) The stage between two successive meiotic divisions (Meiosis-$I$ and Meiosis-$II$) is known as Interkinesis.
It is a short-lived resting phase that occurs after Meiosis-$I$ and before Meiosis-$II$.
During this phase,there is no replication of $DNA$,although the cell may grow in size and synthesize proteins.
204
EasyMCQ
What is interkinesis?
A
The process of chromosome separation due to the shortening of spindle fibers.
B
The formation of a nuclear state.
C
The stage between two meiotic divisions.
D
The stage between two cytokinesis events.

Solution

(C) Interkinesis is the short-lived resting stage that occurs between $Meiosis-I$ and $Meiosis-II$.
During this phase,the cell does not undergo $DNA$ replication,but the cell prepares for the second meiotic division.
It is generally characterized by the presence of a nuclear envelope and nucleolus,though the chromosomes may undergo some degree of decondensation.
205
MediumMCQ
Match the following columns:
Column $I$Column $II$
$(a)$ Prophase-$I$$(p)$ Nucleolus and nuclear membrane reappear
$(b)$ Metaphase-$I$$(q)$ Longest phase
$(c)$ Anaphase-$I$$(r)$ Homologous chromosomes align at the equatorial plate
$(d)$ Telophase-$I$$(s)$ Number of chromosomes reaching each pole is half of the original cell
A
$(a-p), (b-q), (c-r), (d-s)$
B
$(a-q), (b-p), (c-s), (d-r)$
C
$(a-r), (b-s), (c-p), (d-q)$
D
$(a-q), (b-r), (c-s), (d-p)$

Solution

(D) Prophase-$I$ is the longest phase of meiosis-$I$ because it involves complex sub-stages like leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis. Thus, $(a-q)$.
$(b)$ In Metaphase-$I$, the bivalent chromosomes align at the equatorial plate. Thus, $(b-r)$.
$(c)$ In Anaphase-$I$, homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles, reducing the chromosome number to half in each daughter nucleus. Thus, $(c-s)$.
$(d)$ In Telophase-$I$, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear at the poles. Thus, $(d-p)$.
Therefore, the correct matching is $(a-q), (b-r), (c-s), (d-p)$.
206
EasyMCQ
$S -$ Statement: In the pachytene substage,each group of chromosomes appears as a bivalent.
$R -$ Reason: During prophase in plant cells,the centriole units arranged at the two poles form spindle fibers.
A
$S$ and $R$ are both true,and $R$ is the correct explanation of $S$.
B
$S$ and $R$ are both true,but $R$ is not the correct explanation of $S$.
C
$S$ is true and $R$ is false.
D
$S$ and $R$ are both false.

Solution

(C) $1$. The $S$ statement is true: During the pachytene substage of prophase-$I$ of meiosis,the bivalents (tetrads) become clearly visible.
$2$. The $R$ statement is false: Plant cells do not possess centrioles. Spindle fibers in plant cells are formed by microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) located at the poles,not by centrioles. Centrioles are typically found in animal cells.
207
MediumMCQ
$S -$ Statement: Recombination nodules are visible during the diplotene stage.
$R -$ Reason: Synapsis occurs during the zygotene stage.
A
$S$ and $R$ are both true,and $R$ is the correct explanation of $S$.
B
$S$ and $R$ are both true,but $R$ is not the correct explanation of $S$.
C
$S$ is true and $R$ is false.
D
$S$ is false and $R$ is true.

Solution

(D) $1$. The $S$ statement is false. Recombination nodules are formed during the pachytene stage,not the diplotene stage. During the diplotene stage,the synaptonemal complex dissolves and the homologous chromosomes begin to separate,except at the sites of crossovers (chiasmata).
$2$. The $R$ statement is true. Synapsis,which is the pairing of homologous chromosomes,occurs during the zygotene stage of prophase-$I$ of meiosis.
$3$. Since the $S$ statement is false and the $R$ statement is true,the correct option is $D$.
208
MediumMCQ
Identify the correctly matched pair.
A
Leptotene - Synapsis
B
Zygotene - Recombination nodules appear
C
Pachytene - Crossing over of genes occurs at the site of chiasmata
D
Diakinesis - Final stage of meiosis

Solution

(C) $1$. Leptotene: Chromosomes become visible and compact. Synapsis occurs during Zygotene.
$2$. Zygotene: Pairing of homologous chromosomes (synapsis) occurs. Recombination nodules appear during Pachytene.
$3$. Pachytene: Crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes at the site of chiasmata.
$4$. Diakinesis: This is the final stage of meiotic prophase-$I$,characterized by the termination of chiasmata and the disappearance of the nucleolus and nuclear envelope.
209
EasyMCQ
Which of the following is an incorrect pair?
A
Mitosis - Chromosome number remains constant.
B
Meiosis - Genetic material replicates once, and the cell divides twice.
C
Leptotene - Final stage of meiosis.
D
Zygotene - Pairing of homologous chromosomes (synapsis).

Solution

(C) In $Meiosis-I$, the prophase is divided into five sub-stages: $Leptotene$, $Zygotene$, $Pachytene$, $Diplotene$, and $Diakinesis$.
$Leptotene$ is the first stage of prophase-$I$, not the final stage.
Therefore, the pair $Leptotene - \text{Final stage of meiosis}$ is incorrect.
210
EasyMCQ
Which of the following is an incorrect stage in the context of Prophase-$I$?
A
Zygotene
B
Leptotene
C
Diapectin
D
Diplotene

Solution

(C) Prophase-$I$ of Meiosis is divided into five distinct sub-stages based on chromosomal behavior: Leptotene,Zygotene,Pachytene,Diplotene,and Diakinesis.
'Diapectin' is not a recognized stage in the process of Meiosis.
Therefore,'Diapectin' is the incorrect stage.
211
MediumMCQ
Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
A
Prophase-$II$ - Formation of bipolar spindle is inhibited.
B
Anaphase-$II$ - The number of chromatids reaching each pole is half the number of chromosomes present in the parent cell.
C
Telophase-$II$ - Nuclear membrane disappears.
D
Metaphase-$II$ - Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate.

Solution

(D) In Meiosis-$II$,the stages are as follows:
$1$. Prophase-$II$: The nuclear membrane disappears and the spindle apparatus begins to form.
$2$. Metaphase-$II$: The chromosomes align at the equatorial plate,and the microtubules from opposite poles of the spindle get attached to the kinetochores of sister chromatids.
$3$. Anaphase-$II$: The centromere of each chromosome splits,allowing the sister chromatids to move toward opposite poles.
$4$. Telophase-$II$: The chromosomes arrive at the poles,and the nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear.
Therefore,the pair 'Metaphase-$II$ - Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate' is correctly matched.
212
EasyMCQ
What is the exchange of chromosomal segments between maternal and paternal chromosomes during meiosis called?
A
Synapsis
B
Disjunction
C
Chromosomal aberration
D
Crossing over

Solution

(D) During the $pachytene$ stage of $prophase-I$ of meiosis, the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes occurs. This process is known as $crossing over$. It is mediated by the enzyme $recombinase$ and results in genetic recombination, which is essential for variation in sexually reproducing organisms.
213
MediumMCQ
At which site does crossing over occur between the chromatids of homologous chromosomes?
A
Centromere
B
Chiasmata
C
Chromatid
D
Chromocenter

Solution

(B) Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage of prophase-$I$ of meiosis.
This process occurs at specific points of attachment known as $Chiasmata$ (singular: $Chiasma$).
$Chiasmata$ are the $X$-shaped structures that become visible during the diplotene stage,marking the sites where crossing over has occurred.
214
EasyMCQ
In which of the following stages do chromosomes appear long,thin,and thread-like?
A
Leptotene
B
Zygotene
C
Pachytene
D
Diplotene

Solution

(A) During the $Prophase-I$ of meiosis,the first stage is $Leptotene$.
In the $Leptotene$ stage,the chromosomes become gradually visible under a light microscope.
The compaction of chromosomes continues throughout the $Leptotene$ stage,and they appear long,thin,and thread-like,often described as a 'bouquet' stage due to their arrangement.
215
MediumMCQ
Which of the following types of cell division results in a reduction of the chromosome number?
A
Mitosis
B
Double fertilization
C
Meiosis
D
Amitosis

Solution

(C) Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half,resulting in the production of haploid daughter cells.
It occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and eggs).
In contrast,mitosis is an equational division where the chromosome number remains the same in the daughter cells.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.
216
EasyMCQ
In which phase of meiosis does the chromosome number become halved?
A
Metaphase-$I$
B
Telophase-$I$
C
Metaphase-$II$
D
Anaphase-$II$

Solution

(D) Meiosis is a reductional division. The reduction in chromosome number from diploid $(2n)$ to haploid $(n)$ occurs during Anaphase-$I$. During Anaphase-$I$,the homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles,while sister chromatids remain attached at their centromeres. This results in each daughter cell receiving only half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell.
217
MediumMCQ
During synapsis,how many chromatids are present in each bivalent (tetrad)?
A
$2$
B
$4$
C
$8$
D
Many

Solution

(B) During the process of synapsis in the $Zygotene$ stage of $Prophase-I$ of $Meiosis$,homologous chromosomes pair up to form a complex known as a bivalent or tetrad.
Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids.
Since a bivalent consists of two homologous chromosomes,it contains a total of $4$ chromatids ($2$ from each chromosome).
Therefore,a tetrad is named so because it contains $4$ chromatids.
218
EasyMCQ
In which stage are the chromosomes long and thin?
A
Leptotene
B
Zygotene
C
Pachytene
D
Diakinesis

Solution

(A) During the $Leptotene$ stage of $Prophase-I$ in meiosis,the chromatin material begins to condense to form compact chromosomes. At the beginning of this stage,the chromosomes are long,thin,and thread-like,which is why the term '$Leptotene$' is derived from the Greek word meaning 'thin thread'.
219
EasyMCQ
What is meiosis-$I$ known as?
A
Equational division
B
Equational division
C
Reductional division
D
None of the above

Solution

(C) Meiosis is divided into two stages: meiosis-$I$ and meiosis-$II$.
Meiosis-$I$ is known as the reductional division because the chromosome number is reduced to half in the daughter cells compared to the parent cell.
Meiosis-$II$ is known as the equational division because the chromosome number remains the same as in the parent cell,similar to mitosis.
220
EasyMCQ
During which process does the distribution of genetic material from generation to generation,the creation of genetic variation,and the establishment of recombinant genetic material occur?
A
Mitosis
B
Meiosis
C
Organogenesis
D
Transformation

Solution

(B) Meiosis is the specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half,resulting in the production of haploid daughter cells.
During the prophase-$I$ stage of meiosis,specifically in the pachytene sub-stage,the process of crossing over occurs.
Crossing over involves the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes,which leads to genetic recombination.
This process ensures genetic variation in the offspring and maintains the constant chromosome number across generations through the formation of gametes.
221
EasyMCQ
When a diploid cell undergoes normal meiosis,then...
A
All dominant genes are segregated.
B
All homologous chromosomes are segregated.
C
All daughter cells contain pairs of homologous chromosomes.
D
All linkage groups are disturbed.

Solution

(B) Meiosis is a reductional division that occurs in diploid $(2n)$ cells to produce haploid $(n)$ gametes.
During Meiosis-$I$,homologous chromosomes pair up and then separate into different daughter cells.
This process ensures that each daughter cell receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair,effectively segregating the homologous chromosomes.
Therefore,the correct outcome is that all homologous chromosomes are segregated.
222
EasyMCQ
Meiosis involves two successive divisions. These divisions are:
A
One nuclear division and one somatic division
B
One reductional division and one equational division
C
One reductional division and one cytokinesis
D
One equational division and one nuclear division

Solution

(B) Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half,resulting in the production of haploid daughter cells.
It consists of two successive nuclear divisions known as Meiosis-$I$ and Meiosis-$II$.
Meiosis-$I$ is known as the reductional division because the chromosome number is reduced to half.
Meiosis-$II$ is known as the equational division because the chromosome number remains the same as in the parent cell (similar to mitosis).
223
EasyMCQ
In which of the following options is $DNA$ synthesis $NOT$ represented?
A
Interphase of mitosis in the cell cycle
B
Interphase of meiosis in the cell cycle
C
Interkinesis of meiosis in the cell cycle
D
Interphase of amitosis in the cell cycle

Solution

(C) $DNA$ replication occurs during the $S$-phase (Synthesis phase) of the interphase in both mitosis and meiosis.
Interkinesis is the stage between Meiosis-$I$ and Meiosis-$II$.
During interkinesis,there is no $DNA$ replication because the chromosomes are already duplicated.
Therefore,$DNA$ synthesis does not occur during interkinesis.
224
EasyMCQ
The correct sequence of stages during the prophase-$I$ of meiosis is:
A
Leptotene,Pachytene,Zygotene,Diakinesis,Diplotene
B
Leptotene,Zygotene,Pachytene,Diplotene,Diakinesis
C
Zygotene,Leptotene,Pachytene,Diakinesis,Diplotene
D
Diplotene,Diakinesis,Pachytene,Zygotene,Leptotene

Solution

(B) Prophase-$I$ of meiosis is a complex and long phase compared to the prophase of mitosis. It is subdivided into five distinct stages based on chromosomal behavior:
$1$. Leptotene: Chromosomes become visible as compact threads.
$2$. Zygotene: Pairing of homologous chromosomes occurs (synapsis).
$3$. Pachytene: Crossing over takes place between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.
$4$. Diplotene: Dissolution of the synaptonemal complex occurs,and homologous chromosomes start to separate except at the sites of crossovers (chiasmata).
$5$. Diakinesis: Terminalization of chiasmata occurs,and the chromosomes are fully condensed.
Therefore,the correct sequence is Leptotene $\rightarrow$ Zygotene $\rightarrow$ Pachytene $\rightarrow$ Diplotene $\rightarrow$ Diakinesis.
225
EasyMCQ
In which of the following stages are the chromosomes seen as unclear or thread-like?
A
Pachytene
B
Diplotene
C
Zygotene
D
Leptotene

Solution

(D) During the $Leptotene$ stage of $Meiosis-I$,the chromosomes become gradually visible under a light microscope. However,they appear as long,thin,and thread-like structures,which are often described as unclear or indistinct compared to the condensed chromosomes seen in later stages like $Metaphase$. Therefore,the correct answer is $Leptotene$.
226
EasyMCQ
Synapsis occurs between which of the following?
A
Homologous chromosomes
B
Non-homologous chromosomes
C
Chromosomes without centromeres
D
Heterologous chromosomes

Solution

(A) Synapsis is the pairing of two homologous chromosomes that occurs during the $Zygotene$ stage of $Prophase-I$ in $Meiosis$. During this process,homologous chromosomes align side-by-side,forming a structure known as a bivalent or tetrad. This pairing is essential for genetic recombination (crossing over) to occur.
227
EasyMCQ
During meiosis,the formation of bivalent chromosomes occurs in:
A
Leptotene
B
Pachytene
C
Zygotene
D
Diplotene

Solution

(C) In meiosis-$I$,the prophase-$I$ is divided into five sub-stages: Leptotene,Zygotene,Pachytene,Diplotene,and Diakinesis.
During the Zygotene stage,homologous chromosomes start pairing together,a process known as synapsis.
These paired homologous chromosomes are called bivalents or tetrads.
Therefore,the formation of bivalent chromosomes is a characteristic feature of the Zygotene stage.
228
EasyMCQ
What is observed in chromosomes during the pachytene stage?
A
Clear diplotene
B
Clear tetrad
C
Indistinct monad
D
Indistinct diplotene

Solution

(B) The pachytene stage is the third stage of prophase-$I$ of meiosis. During this stage,the bivalent chromosomes clearly appear as tetrads due to the completion of synapsis and the condensation of chromatin. The four chromatids of the homologous pair become distinct,which is why they are referred to as tetrads.
229
MediumMCQ
Which of the following statements is false?
A
The phenomenon of crossing over occurs during Prophase-$I$ of meiosis.
B
Crossing over occurs between the chromatids of paternal and maternal homologous chromosomes.
C
Crossing over occurs between two sister chromatids of the same homologous chromosome.
D
Crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.

Solution

(C) Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage of Prophase-$I$ of meiosis.
Statement $A$ is true as crossing over occurs in Prophase-$I$.
Statement $B$ is true as it involves paternal and maternal homologous chromosomes.
Statement $D$ is true as it involves non-sister chromatids.
Statement $C$ is false because crossing over does not occur between sister chromatids of the same chromosome,as they are genetically identical.
230
EasyMCQ
What is the minimum number of chiasmata formed in a bivalent structure?
A
One
B
Two
C
Three
D
Four

Solution

(A) bivalent is a pair of homologous chromosomes formed during the prophase-$I$ of meiosis.
During the pachytene stage,crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.
In the subsequent diplotene stage,the homologous chromosomes begin to separate,but they remain attached at the sites where crossing over occurred.
These $X$-shaped attachment points are called chiasmata.
For a bivalent to be held together,there must be at least one chiasma formed between the homologous chromosomes.
231
EasyMCQ
At which stage do homologous chromosomes appear as bivalents due to independent separation?
A
Zygotene
B
Pachytene
C
Diakinesis
D
Diplotene

Solution

(D) During the $Prophase-I$ of meiosis,the $Diplotene$ stage is characterized by the dissolution of the synaptonemal complex.
As the homologous chromosomes begin to separate from each other except at the sites of crossovers,they appear as distinct $bivalents$ (or tetrads).
These $X$-shaped structures formed at the sites of crossing over are known as $chiasmata$.
Therefore,the stage where homologous chromosomes appear as bivalents and show chiasmata is $Diplotene$.
232
EasyMCQ
At which stage does the number of homologous chromosomes become halved?
A
Prophase-$II$
B
Prophase-$I$
C
Anaphase-$I$
D
Anaphase-$II$

Solution

(C) In meiosis-$I$,the homologous chromosomes pair up and then separate to opposite poles during Anaphase-$I$.
As a result,the number of chromosomes in each daughter cell is reduced to half compared to the parent cell.
Therefore,the reduction in chromosome number occurs during Anaphase-$I$.
233
MediumMCQ
In which stage of meiosis do the chromosomes align at the equatorial plate and attach to the spindle fibers in two cells?
A
Metaphase-$I$
B
Metaphase-$II$
C
Anaphase-$II$
D
Anaphase-$I$

Solution

(B) In meiosis,Metaphase-$II$ is the stage where chromosomes align at the equatorial plate in both daughter cells formed after Meiosis-$I$.
During this phase,the kinetochores of sister chromatids of each chromosome are attached to spindle fibers from opposite poles.
This ensures that the sister chromatids will separate during the subsequent Anaphase-$II$.
234
EasyMCQ
In which stage of meiosis do the sister chromatids of two cells move towards opposite poles via spindle fibers?
A
Anaphase-$II$
B
Anaphase-$I$
C
Telophase-$II$
D
Telophase-$I$

Solution

(A) In meiosis,$Anaphase-II$ is the stage where the centromere of each chromosome splits,allowing the sister chromatids to separate.
These separated sister chromatids (now called daughter chromosomes) are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell by the shortening of spindle fibers.
This process occurs in both daughter cells formed after meiosis-$I$.
235
EasyMCQ
At which stage of meiosis does the centromere divide?
A
Only once in Anaphase-$II$
B
Only once in Anaphase-$I$
C
Twice in Meiosis-$I$ and Meiosis-$II$
D
Twice in Anaphase-$I$ and Anaphase-$II$

Solution

(A) In meiosis,the centromere does not divide during Meiosis-$I$ because homologous chromosomes separate,but sister chromatids remain attached.
During Anaphase-$II$ of Meiosis-$II$,the centromere of each chromosome splits,allowing the sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles.
Therefore,the centromere divides only once during the entire process of meiosis,specifically in Anaphase-$II$.
236
EasyMCQ
If there are $4$ chromosomes present in Prophase-$I$,how many chromosomes will be present in each cell at the end of Anaphase-$II$?
A
$4$
B
$2$
C
$8$
D
$16$

Solution

(B) In meiosis,the chromosome number is reduced to half after Meiosis-$I$.
Prophase-$I$ is the initial stage of meiosis where the cell is diploid $(2n = 4)$.
After Meiosis-$I$,each daughter cell receives half the number of chromosomes,i.e.,$n = 2$.
During Anaphase-$II$,the sister chromatids separate. Although the amount of $DNA$ per cell is halved,the number of chromosomes remains the same as the number of chromosomes present at the start of Meiosis-$II$.
Since the cells entering Meiosis-$II$ have $2$ chromosomes,each cell at the end of Anaphase-$II$ will still contain $2$ chromosomes.
237
EasyMCQ
What is the name of the transitional stage between $Meiosis-I$ and $Meiosis-II$?
A
Interkinesis
B
Cytokinesis
C
Diakinesis
D
Karyokinesis

Solution

(A) The stage between $Meiosis-I$ and $Meiosis-II$ is known as $Interkinesis$.
$Interkinesis$ is a short-lived resting phase that occurs after $Meiosis-I$ and before $Meiosis-II$.
During this phase,there is no replication of $DNA$.
$Cytokinesis$ refers to the division of the cytoplasm,$Diakinesis$ is a sub-stage of $Prophase-I$,and $Karyokinesis$ is the division of the nucleus.
238
EasyMCQ
Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding meiosis?
A
It occurs only in reproductive tissues.
B
Chromosomal pairing occurs during early prophase.
C
Exchange of chromosomal segments does not occur.
D
Centromeres do not divide during anaphase $I$.

Solution

(C) Meiosis is a reductional division that occurs in reproductive tissues to produce gametes.
During prophase $I$,homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis).
Crossing over,which involves the exchange of genetic material (chromosomal segments) between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes,occurs during the pachytene stage of prophase $I$.
Therefore,the statement that 'exchange of chromosomal segments does not occur' is incorrect.
In meiosis $I$,centromeres do not divide,and whole chromosomes move to opposite poles,which is a correct characteristic.
239
EasyMCQ
Which of the following events occurs only during meiosis?
A
Pairing of homologous chromosomes.
B
Separation of sister chromatids.
C
Cytokinesis.
D
Disappearance of the nucleolus.

Solution

(A) The pairing of homologous chromosomes,also known as synapsis,is a unique event that occurs during the prophase-$I$ stage of meiosis.
During this process,homologous chromosomes align side-by-side to form bivalents or tetrads,which allows for genetic recombination (crossing over).
Separation of sister chromatids occurs in both mitosis and meiosis-$II$.
Cytokinesis occurs in both mitosis and meiosis.
The disappearance of the nucleolus is a common event in both mitosis and meiosis during the prophase stage.
240
EasyMCQ
What is the main event that occurs during the second division of meiosis?
A
Separation of chromatids and centromeres
B
Synthesis of $DNA$ only
C
Separation of sex chromosomes
D
Separation of homologous chromosomes

Solution

(A) Meiosis $II$ is an equational division similar to mitosis. During the anaphase $II$ stage of meiosis $II$,the centromere of each chromosome splits,allowing the sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles. This results in the separation of chromatids and centromeres.
241
EasyMCQ
During which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur?
A
Leptotene
B
Zygotene
C
Pachytene
D
Diplotene

Solution

(C) Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.
This process occurs during the $Pachytene$ stage of $Prophase-I$ of meiosis.
During $Pachytene$,the bivalent chromosomes become clearly visible as tetrads,and the phenomenon of recombination nodules appears,facilitating the exchange of $DNA$ segments.
242
EasyMCQ
The site where crossing over occurs is known as?
A
Centromere
B
Kinetochore
C
Chiasmata
D
Centrosome

Solution

(C) Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage of prophase-$I$ of meiosis.
This process occurs at specific points of attachment between homologous chromosomes,which are visible under a microscope as $X$-shaped structures known as $Chiasmata$ (singular: $Chiasma$).
Therefore,the site where crossing over occurs is referred to as $Chiasmata$.
243
MediumMCQ
The number of chiasmata depends on what?
A
Length of the chromosome
B
Width of the chromosome
C
Diameter of the chromosome
D
Pairs of chromosomes

Solution

(A) Chiasmata are the $X$-shaped structures formed between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during the $pachytene$ stage of $prophase-I$ of $meiosis$.
These structures represent the sites where crossing over has occurred.
The number of chiasmata is directly proportional to the length of the chromosome, as longer chromosomes provide more space and opportunities for genetic recombination events to occur.
244
MediumMCQ
Match the following columns $I$ and $II$ correctly:
Column $I$ Column $II$
$A$. Leptotene $i$. Nucleolus disappears
$B$. Zygotene $ii$. Formation of recombination nodules
$C$. Pachytene $iii$. Development of synapsis
$D$. Diplotene $iv$. Chromosomes appear as thread-like structures
$E$. Diakinesis $v$. Gene exchange occurs via chiasmata
A
$(A-iv), (B-iii), (C-ii), (D-v), (E-i)$
B
$(A-i), (B-ii), (C-iii), (D-iv), (E-v)$
C
$(A-v), (B-iv), (C-iii), (D-ii), (E-i)$
D
$(A-ii), (B-iii), (C-iv), (D-v), (E-i)$

Solution

(A) The correct matching is as follows:
$A$. Leptotene: Chromosomes appear as thread-like structures $(iv)$.
$B$. Zygotene: Development of synapsis occurs $(iii)$.
$C$. Pachytene: Formation of recombination nodules occurs $(ii)$.
$D$. Diplotene: Gene exchange occurs via chiasmata $(v)$.
$E$. Diakinesis: Nucleolus disappears $(i)$.
Therefore,the correct sequence is $(A-iv), (B-iii), (C-ii), (D-v), (E-i)$.
245
EasyMCQ
Meiosis-$II$ is?
A
Cell division.
B
Reductional division.
C
Normal cell expansion.
D
Equational division.

Solution

(D) Meiosis-$II$ is similar to mitosis because it involves the separation of sister chromatids.
In Meiosis-$II$,the number of chromosomes remains the same as in the parent cell (haploid to haploid),which is why it is termed an equational division.
Therefore,Meiosis-$II$ is essentially an equational division.
246
EasyMCQ
Synapsis occurs between which of the following?
A
$m-RNA$ and ribosomes
B
Spindle fibers and centromere
C
Two homologous chromosomes
D
Male and female gametes

Solution

(C) Synapsis is the pairing of two homologous chromosomes that occurs during the $Zygotene$ stage of $Prophase-I$ in $Meiosis$. During this process, homologous chromosomes align side-by-side to form a complex structure known as the $Synaptonemal$ complex. This pairing is essential for genetic recombination (crossing over) to occur in the subsequent $Pachytene$ stage.
247
EasyMCQ
In meiosis,the daughter cells are not identical to the parent cells because of .........
A
Crossing over
B
Synapsis
C
Both $(A)$ and $(B)$
D
None of these

Solution

(C) Meiosis is a reductional division that results in four genetically distinct daughter cells.
$1$. Crossing over occurs during the pachytene stage of prophase-$I$,where non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material,leading to genetic recombination.
$2$. Synapsis is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during the zygotene stage of prophase-$I$.
$3$. Both these processes contribute to genetic variation,ensuring that the daughter cells are not identical to the parent cell or to each other.
248
MediumMCQ
In which phase of meiosis do the sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles?
A
Anaphase-$I$
B
Anaphase-$II$
C
Metaphase-$I$
D
Metaphase-$II$

Solution

(B) In meiosis,the separation of sister chromatids occurs during Anaphase-$II$.
During Anaphase-$I$,homologous chromosomes separate,but sister chromatids remain attached at their centromeres.
During Anaphase-$II$,the centromeres split,allowing the sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell,effectively becoming individual chromosomes.
249
EasyMCQ
Which of the following pairs correctly matches the stages of prophase-$I$ of meiosis with the processes occurring in them?
A
Diplotene - Formation of chiasmata and separation of chromosomes.
B
Leptotene - Homologous chromosomes pair up as bivalents.
C
Pachytene - Formation of homologous chromosome pairs.
D
Zygotene - Chromatin starts condensing and appears as thin threads.

Solution

(A) Prophase-$I$ of meiosis is divided into five sub-stages:
$1$. Leptotene: Chromatin starts condensing and appears as thin threads.
$2$. Zygotene: Homologous chromosomes pair up,a process called 'synapsis'.
$3$. Pachytene: Crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.
$4$. Diplotene: Homologous chromosomes begin to separate,but remain attached at the sites of chiasmata.
$5$. Diakinesis: Terminalization of chiasmata occurs.
Therefore,option $A$ is correct as the formation of chiasmata and the initiation of chromosome separation are characteristic of the Diplotene stage.
250
MediumMCQ
In which phase of meiosis do the chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles?
A
Prophase
B
Metaphase
C
Anaphase
D
Telophase

Solution

(C) During $Anaphase \ II$ of meiosis,the centromere of each chromosome splits,allowing the sister chromatids to separate. These separated chromatids (now individual chromosomes) are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell by the shortening of spindle fibers attached to the kinetochores. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal number of chromosomes.

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