Characteristic of melosis is

Options

A. Two nuclear and two chromosome divisions
B. Two nuclear and one chromosome division
C. One nuclear and two chromosome divisions
D. One nuclear and one chromosome division

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of four haploid cells from one diploid parent cell.

2. **Definition of Terms**:
- **Diploid**: Cells that contain two sets of chromosomes (2n).
- **Haploid**: Cells that contain one set of chromosomes (n).

3. **Phases of Meiosis**: Meiosis consists of two main stages:
- **Meiosis I**: The first division where homologous chromosomes are separated.
- **Meiosis II**: The second division where sister chromatids are separated.

4. **Nuclear and Chromosome Division**:
- In meiosis, there are **two nuclear divisions** (one in meiosis I and one in meiosis II).
- There is **one DNA replication** that occurs before meiosis I, not between meiosis I and meiosis II (this is called interkinesis).

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1**: 2 nuclear and 2 chromosome divisions – **Incorrect** (only one chromosome division occurs).
- **Option 2**: 2 nuclear and 1 chromosome division – **Correct** (this accurately describes meiosis).
- **Option 3**: 1 nuclear and 2 chromosome divisions – **Incorrect** (there are two nuclear divisions).
- **Option 4**: 1 nuclear and 1 chromosome division – **Incorrect** (there are two nuclear divisions).

6. **Conclusion**: The characteristic of meiosis is best described by **Option 2: 2 nuclear divisions and 1 chromosome division**.

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