Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Meiosis MCQs with Answers and Explanations

share icon
share icon
banner

Multiple Choice Questions on Meiosis Stages and Processes

Meiosis is a mechanism in which a single cell divides twice to produce four cells that contain half of the original amount of genetic data. Those cells are our sex cells-male sperm, female eggs. 


One cell divides up twice during meiosis to create four daughter cells. These four daughter cells are only half as numerous as chromosomes of the parent cell-haploid.


Meiosis is divisible into nine stages. These are divided between the first division of the cell (meiosis I) and the second division thereof (meiosis II).


Solved MCQs on Meiosis

1. The RNA and protein synthesis occurs in______

  1. M phase

  2. S phase

  3. G1 Phase

  4. G2 phase

Answer: c

Explanation: The first phase of the cell cycle is phase G1. It is an integral part of the Interphase. RNA and protein synthesis occurs in Phase G1.


2. When does synapsis occur at Meiosis?

  1. Zygotene

  2. Leptotene

  3. Diplotene

  4. Pachytene

Answer: a

Explanation: Zygotene is the second stage of the Meiosis prophase. Bivalents are seen as shaping the synaptonemal complexes. Synapsis facilitates the exchange of genetic material between the chromosomes.


3. Spindle fibers are formed by___________

  1. Spindles

  2. Tubulin

  3. Flagella

  4. Humulin

Answer: b

Explanation: Spindle fibers are made up of microtubules. Microtubules are polymers of alpha- and beta-tubulin dimers. Tubulin is a Globular Protein  It helps in dividing cells.


4. Chromosomes break during?

  1. Prophase

  2. Anaphase

  3. Metaphase

  4. Telophase

Answer: b

Explanation: The 3rd stage of cell division is anaphase. During this point, chromosomes move away from each other towards opposite spindle poles.


5. Replication of centriole occurs in ______________

  1. Interphase

  2. Prophase

  3. Metaphase

  4. Anaphase

Answer: a

Explanation: Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle in which typical cells submit most of their lives. It is divided into the G1, S phase, and G2 phase. The S phase is characterized by biosynthetic activity such as duplication of DNA and centrioles.

 

6. Colchicine arrests which of the following stages of cell division?

  1. Anaphase

  2. Telophase

  3. Interphase

  4. Metaphase

Answer: d

Explanation: Colchicine is an alkaloid in its natural state. It is used to treat acute gout attacks. Colchicine arrests metaphase for the stage of the division of cells.


7. Cell Plate is laid during __________

  1. Cytokinesis

  2. Karyokinesis

  3. Interphase

  4. Metaphase

Answer: a

Explanation: Cytokinesis is a process of cell division that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.


8. Polyploidy may be induced artificially by__________

  1. Self-pollination

  2. Linebreeding

  3. Inbreeding

  4. Colchicine

Answer: d

Explanation: Polyploidy’s condition where diploid cells normally get one or more extra sets of chromosomes. Colchicine can cause polyploidy, artificially.


9. There are chromosomes arranged along the equator ___________

  1. Prophase

  2. Metaphase

  3. Anaphase

  4. Telophase

Answer: b

Explanation: Metaphase is the 2nd level of cell division. During metaphase, the chromosome organizes itself in the middle of the cell.


10. Chiasmata formation takes place during __________

  1. Prophase I

  2. Metaphase I

  3. Anaphase I

  4. Telophase I

Answer: a

Explanation: The formation of chiasmata takes place during prophase I, and chromosomes are duplicated during this period. Chiasmata is a spot where paired chromosomes stay in contact during the first meiosis metaphase.


Test Your Knowledge

1. The word meiosis had been coined by?

  1. Robertson

  2. Blackmann

  3. Flemming

  4. Farmer and Moore


2. During meiosis, chromatids of individual chromosomes separate during ___?

  1. Metaphase I

  2. Anaphase I

  3. Anaphase II

  4. Metaphase II


3. Meiosis is of evolutionary significance as it produces  ___?

  1. Gametes

  2. generally similar daughter cells

  3. recommendations

  4. four daughter cells


4. In metaphase I, the centromeres undergo division.

  1. do not divide

  2. divide but do not separate

  3. are not similar

  4. undergo division


5. Call the step of prophase I when synaptonemal complex dissolves when chromatids are transparent and tetrads are considered bivalents?

  1. Pachytene

  2. Diakinesis

  3. Diplotene

  4. Zygotene


The above article provides solved MCQs on Meiosis. The explanations of the MCQs are also given. Students can refer to this article for practicing questions. It will help them to revise the concept of Meiosis.

Want to read offline? download full PDF here
Download full PDF
Is this page helpful?
like-imagedislike-image

FAQs on Meiosis MCQs with Answers and Explanations

1. What are MCQs on meiosis?

MCQs on meiosis are multiple-choice questions designed to test understanding of the process of meiosis and its stages. These questions commonly assess knowledge of:

  • Definition and purpose of meiosis
  • Stages like Meiosis I and Meiosis II
  • Concepts such as crossing over, independent assortment, and reduction division
  • Differences between mitosis and meiosis
They are widely used in biology exams and competitive entrance tests.

2. What is the correct sequence of stages in meiosis?

The correct sequence of stages in meiosis is Meiosis I followed by Meiosis II, each with four phases. The order is:

  • Prophase I
  • Metaphase I
  • Anaphase I
  • Telophase I
  • Prophase II
  • Metaphase II
  • Anaphase II
  • Telophase II
This sequence results in the formation of four haploid daughter cells.

3. Why is meiosis called reduction division?

Meiosis is called reduction division because it reduces the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n). During Anaphase I, homologous chromosomes separate, leading to:

  • Halving of chromosome number
  • Formation of haploid cells
  • Maintenance of chromosome number across generations
This reduction is essential for sexual reproduction.

4. What happens during crossing over in meiosis?

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis. Specifically:

  • Occurs between non-sister chromatids
  • Takes place at points called chiasmata
  • Leads to genetic recombination
This process increases genetic variation in gametes.

5. What is the difference between Meiosis I and Meiosis II?

The main difference between Meiosis I and Meiosis II is that Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, while Meiosis II separates sister chromatids. Key differences include:

  • Meiosis I: Reduction division; chromosome number halves
  • Meiosis II: Similar to mitosis; chromosome number remains the same
  • Genetic recombination occurs only in Meiosis I
Both divisions together produce four haploid cells.

6. How many daughter cells are produced after meiosis?

Meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell. These cells:

  • Contain half the original chromosome number (n)
  • Are genetically different from each other
  • Develop into gametes such as sperm or eggs in animals
This outcome is a common focus in MCQs on meiosis.

7. In which phase do homologous chromosomes separate?

Homologous chromosomes separate during Anaphase I of meiosis. During this stage:

  • Spindle fibers pull homologous pairs apart
  • Each chromosome moves to opposite poles
  • The chromosome number is reduced to haploid
This step distinguishes meiosis from mitosis.

8. What is synapsis in meiosis?

Synapsis is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis. It involves:

  • Alignment of homologous chromosomes
  • Formation of a structure called the synaptonemal complex
  • Preparation for crossing over
Synapsis ensures accurate genetic recombination and segregation.

9. What is independent assortment in meiosis?

Independent assortment is the random distribution of homologous chromosome pairs during Metaphase I of meiosis. This means:

  • Each pair aligns independently at the equator
  • Maternal and paternal chromosomes assort randomly
  • Genetic variation increases in gametes
This principle was first described by Gregor Mendel.

10. How is meiosis important in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction because it produces haploid gametes and generates genetic variation. Its importance includes:

  • Formation of sperm and ova
  • Maintenance of constant chromosome number after fertilization
  • Creation of genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment
Without meiosis, stable inheritance across generations would not be possible.


Competitive Exams after 12th Science
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow