A characteristic feature of meiosis is

Options

A. Two DNA replications and one division of cytoplasm
B. A single DNA replication and three divisions of cytoplasm
C. Two DNA replication cycles and two divisions of cytoplasm
D. A single DNA replication and two divisions of cytoplasm

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of four non-identical daughter cells. It occurs in reproductive cells (gametes).

2. **Key Features of Meiosis**:
- Meiosis involves one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of cell division (Meiosis I and Meiosis II).
- This process is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures genetic diversity.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: 2 DNA replications and 1 division of cytoplasm. (Incorrect)
- **Option 2**: 1 DNA replication and 3 divisions of the cytoplasm. (Incorrect)
- **Option 3**: 2 DNA replication cycles and 2 divisions of the cytoplasm. (Incorrect)
- **Option 4**: 1 DNA replication and 2 divisions of the cytoplasm. (Correct)

4. **Correct Answer**: The correct characteristic feature of meiosis is **Option 4**: a single DNA replication and 2 divisions of the cytoplasm.

5. **Explanation of the Correct Answer**:
- **DNA Replication**: The DNA replication occurs during the S phase before Meiosis I begins.
- **Cytoplasmic Division**: After the nuclear division in Meiosis I and Meiosis II, cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division) occurs, resulting in two divisions.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the characteristic feature of meiosis is that it involves one DNA replication followed by two cytoplasmic divisions.