The total DNA content of each daughter cell is reduced during meiosis because
A) chromosomes do not replicate during the interphase preceding meiosis I.
B) chromosomes do not replicate between meiosis I and II.
C) half of the chromosomes from each gamete are lost during fertilization.
D) sister chromatids separate during anaphase of meiosis I.
E) chromosome arms are lost during crossing over.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chromosomes do not replicate between meiosis I and II, which means that after the cell divides during meiosis I, the two resulting cells enter meiosis II without an additional round of DNA replication. This leads to a reduction in the total DNA content of each daughter cell, as they end up with half the number of chromosomes compared to the original cell.

The Total DNA Content of Each Daughter Cell Is Reduced