NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
What is the result of the first meiotic division?
Options
- AChromosome number is increased
- BChromosome number is reduced to one fourth
- CChromosome number is reduced to half
- DChromosome number remains the same
Correct answer
C. Chromosome number is reduced to half
Step-by-step solution
In the first meiotic division, homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents and undergo crossing over. During anaphase I, homologous chromosomes move to the opposite poles with both their chromatids. Each pole receives half the chromosome number of the parent Meiosis I has a long prophase, which is divided further into five phases. These are leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene and diakinesis. During metaphase I the bivalents arrange on the equatorial plate. This is followed by anaphase I in which homologous