Meiosis Quiz Review with Answers!
1. Define the term diploid: Having the total number of chromosomes that an organism needs to
survive. Represented by 2n.
2. Define the term haploid: Having half the total number of chromosomes an organism needs to
survive. Represented by n. The haploid number is always half of the diploid number for any
organism.
3. If an organism has a diploid number of 16 chromosomes, what is its haploid number? 8
4. What does crossing over refer to? Homologous chromosomes exchange corresponding
segments of DNA.
5. Fertilization is involved in what type of reproduction? Sexual
6. What are human sex cells called? Gametes
7. Describe the chromosomal make up of a human. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomal
chromosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.
8. In humans, why is it that the male determines the gender of the child. Females contribute an
“x” chromosome to the offspring and males contribute either an “x” or a “y”. Two “x”
chromosomes produce a female. One “x” and one “y” chromosome produce a male.
9. What is a tetrad? During which phase of cell division do tetrads form? A pair of homologous
chromosomes and their copy of their DNA. This produces a group of 4 chromosomes. Tetrads
form during Prophase 1 of meiosis.
10. Meiosis results in the formation of how many and what type of cells? 4 haploid cells (sperms in
males, and 1 egg and 3 polar bodies in females)
11. Circle A: Represents the end of meiosis II
Circle B: Represents the end of mitosis
Circle C: Represents the end of meiosis I
Circle D: Represents the beginning of meiosis
Circle E: Represents the beginning of mitosis
12. What is the difference between prophase of mitosis and prophase I of meiosis? During
prophase of mitosis, sister chromatids for and during prophase I of meiosis tetrads (homologous
pairs of chromosomes) form.
13. What is the difference between metaphase of mitosis and metaphase I of meiosis. During
metaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids line up along the equator (middle) of the cell and during
metaphase I of meiosis, tetrads line up at the equator.
14. What is the difference between anaphase of mitosis and anaphase I of meiosis? During
anaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids split apart and during anaphase I of meiosis, tetrads are
pulled apart.
15. What is the difference between telophase of mitosis and telophase I of meiosis? During
teleophase of mitosis, two cells with a complete set of chromosomes are forming and during
telophase I of meiosis, two cells with a haploid set of chromosomes are forming.
