Question

A diploid cell which has 8 chromosomes undergoes meiosis and produces 4 daughter cells. What is the number of chromosomes present in each daughter cell formed at the end of meiosis-I?

• A. 8 chromosomes
• B. 4 chromosomes
• C. 16 chromosomes
• D. 32 chromosomes

Hint:

Remember that Meiosis I is reductional (halves the chromosome number) while Meiosis II is equational (maintains the haploid chromosome number).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept: Meiosis is a reductional cell division that halves the chromosome number.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach: The ploidy level after Meiosis-I changes from diploid ($2n$) to haploid ($n$). Use the formula $n = \frac{2n}{2}$.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation: The parent cell is diploid with $2n = 8$ chromosomes.
Meiosis I is a reductional division, meaning the homologous chromosomes separate into two different daughter cells.
Therefore, the chromosome number is halved in each daughter cell formed at the end of Meiosis I.
The number of chromosomes will be $n = \frac{8}{2} = 4$.
Although each of these 4 chromosomes still consists of two sister chromatids, the chromosome count is based strictly on the number of centromeres.
Step 4: Final Answer: Each daughter cell will have 4 chromosomes.