Concept explainers
Introduction:
Organisms can reproduce sexually by the production of sex cells also called gametes. These cells are very different for the male and female of a species. Humans have male sex cells called spermatozoa (sperm cells). These cells are relatively motile. Female sex cells, called eggs, are non-motile. They are larger in comparison to the male gametes.
Answer to Problem 1MCQ
Correct answers:
Gametes are produced by the process of meiosis. Various genetic recombination events occur at the time of meiosis. Hence, the correct answer is option c.
Explanation of Solution
Reasons for correct answer:
Option c. is given as “the ability to generate new genetic combinations.”
Meiosis includes the process of the pairing of two homologous chromosomes. New genetic combinations are observed due to segregation and recombination mechanisms. Meiosis also plays an important role in the production of gametes in an organism. Hence, option c. is correct.
Reason for incorrect answer:
Option a. is given as, “the ability of a cell to divide.”
All cells have the ability to divide. Cell division mainly occurs by the process of mitosis and meiosis. All types of cell division may not result in the formation of new genetic combinations. Cell division ability is not restricted to sex cells only. Hence, option a. is incorrect.
Option b. is given as, “the production of offspring.”
Offspring are produced by the process of fusion of male and female gametes. The sex cells will fuse to form a zygote. The zygote will result in the formation of offspring. Hence, option b. is incorrect.
Option d. is given as, “Each of the above is unique to sexual reproduction.”
The process of meiosis produces sex cells. Only sex cells have the ability to produce genetic recombination. Each cell of the body can divide. Hence, option d. is incorrect.
Sex cells have the ability to undergo the process of meiosis and bring genetic recombination in the cell. Thus, the correct answer is option c.
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Chapter 9 Solutions
BIOLOGY:ESSENTIALS (LL)-W/CONNECT
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- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College