During meiosis I in humans, one of the daughter cells receives

Options

A. only maternal chromosomes
B. a mixture of maternal and paternal chromosomes
C. same number of chromosomes as present in parent cell
D. none of these.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction.

2. **Meiosis I Overview**: During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated. Each daughter cell receives one chromosome from each homologous pair. This is the stage where genetic diversity is introduced through processes like crossing over.

3. **Chromosome Segregation**: Before Meiosis I begins, DNA replication occurs, resulting in duplicated chromosomes. During Meiosis I, specifically in the prophase stage, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material in a process called crossing over.

4. **Crossing Over**: During the pachytene phase of Meiosis I, crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes. This exchange of genetic material results in chromosomes that are a mix of maternal and paternal genes.

5. **Daughter Cells**: After Meiosis I, the two resulting daughter cells will each contain a mixture of maternal and paternal chromosomes due to the crossing over that occurred. This means that each daughter cell does not receive only maternal chromosomes but rather a combination of both.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that one of the daughter cells receives a mixture of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

**Final Answer**: A mixture of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

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