In Figure 33.8, assume that the two medusae shown at step 4 were produced by one polyp colony. Review Concept 12.1 and Concept 13.3, and then use your understanding of mitosis and meiosis to evaluate whether the following sentence is true or false; if false, select the answer that provides the correct reason. Although the two medusae are genetically identical, a sperm produced by one will differ genetically from an egg produced by the other.
A) False (both the medusae and the gametes are genetically identical)
B) False (neither the medusae nor the gametes are genetically identical)
C) False (the medusae are not identical but the gametes are)
D) True

Question

In Figure 33.8, assume that the two medusae shown at step 4 were produced by one polyp colony. Review Concept 12.1 and Concept 13.3, and then use your understanding of mitosis and meiosis to evaluate whether the following sentence is true or false; if false, select the answer that provides the correct reason. Although the two medusae are genetically identical, a sperm produced by one will differ genetically from an egg produced by the other.
A) False (both the medusae and the gametes are genetically identical) 
B) False (neither the medusae nor the gametes are genetically identical) 
C) False (the medusae are not identical but the gametes are) 
D) True

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is true. Although the two medusae are genetically identical, they were produced from two different germ cells (either through meiosis or some other form of genetic recombination), which means that the gametes they produce will differ genetically from each other. This is due to the randomness of meiosis, which shuffles genetic information during the formation of gametes. Therefore, the eggs and sperm produced by the two medusae will differ genetically from each other.