[Campbell Biology P.311] What is the key difference between the alignment of chromosomes at ... | Practice Question

What is the key difference between the alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate in Metaphase I of meiosis versus Metaphase of mitosis?

  • A: In meiosis I, individual chromosomes align at the plate; in mitosis, pairs of homologous chromosomes align.
  • B: In meiosis I, pairs of homologous chromosomes align at the plate; in mitosis, individual chromosomes align.
  • C: There is no difference; chromosomes align identically in both processes.
  • D: In meiosis I, chromosomes are duplicated; in mitosis, they are not.

Explanation

The text lists 'Alignment of homologous pairs at the metaphase plate' as the second unique event of meiosis. It specifies that 'At metaphase I of meiosis, pairs of homologs are positioned at the metaphase plate, rather than individual chromosomes, as in metaphase of mitosis.'