Which statement regarding mitosis and meiosis is true? Mitosis takes place in your gametes, whereas meiosis takes place in your somatic cells. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase of mitosis and anaphase II of meiosis. Independent orientation occurs during metaphase of mitosis and metaphase II of meiosis. In metaphase of mitosis and metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Sister chromatids separate during anaphase of mitosis and anaphase II of meiosis.
Explanation:
To determine the correct answer, it is important to understand the fundamental differences and similarities between mitosis and meiosis, especially during specific phases like anaphase and metaphase.
Understanding the Choices:
- “Mitosis takes place in your gametes, whereas meiosis takes place in your somatic cells.”
This statement is false.- Mitosis occurs in somatic cells (body cells), enabling growth and repair by producing two genetically identical daughter cells.
- Meiosis occurs only in gametes (sperm and egg cells), resulting in four non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.
- “Sister chromatids separate during anaphase of mitosis and anaphase II of meiosis.”
This is the correct statement.- In anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromatids (identical copies of a chromosome) are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.
- In anaphase II of meiosis, the sister chromatids are also separated, just like in mitosis, though the cells are already haploid at this point.
- “Independent orientation occurs during metaphase of mitosis and metaphase II of meiosis.”
This is false.- Independent orientation or independent assortment occurs during metaphase I of meiosis, not during mitosis or metaphase II. It is the random alignment of homologous chromosome pairs, contributing to genetic diversity.
- “In metaphase of mitosis and metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate.”
This is also false.- In metaphase of mitosis, individual chromosomes (not homologous pairs) align and later the sister chromatids are separated.
- In metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes align and are separated during anaphase I, not metaphase.
Summary:
The only accurate and biologically correct statement is that sister chromatids separate during anaphase of mitosis and anaphase II of meiosis.
