Quiz: Genetic Diversity and Cell Division — 5 questions

1. When was the process of mitosis first described in scientific literature?

A. 1950

B. 1882

C. 1910

D. 1866

Answer: (B)

Explanation

Walther Flemming first described the process of mitosis in 1882, making it the earliest detailed scientific observation of cell division.

2. Who is credited with establishing the fundamental laws of heredity in 1866?

A. Gregor Mendel

B. Hugo de Vries

C. Charles Darwin

D. Watson and Crick

Answer: (A)

Explanation

Gregor Mendel is credited with establishing the fundamental laws of heredity in 1866, based on his experiments with pea plants. The other options are notable scientists but did not formulate these laws; Darwin is known for evolution, Watson and Crick for DNA structure, and de Vries for mutations.

3. How does the process of meiosis differ from mitosis in terms of their contribution to genetic variation?

A. Mitosis results in genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis increases genetic diversity through crossing-over and independent assortment.

B. Mitosis reduces the chromosome number by half, while meiosis maintains the same chromosome number.

C. Mitosis involves two rounds of division, whereas meiosis involves only one.

D. Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, while meiosis occurs in somatic cells.

Answer: (A)

Explanation

Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, maintaining the same genetic information as the parent cell, whereas meiosis involves processes like crossing-over and independent assortment that increase genetic diversity among gametes. This fundamental difference is crucial for understanding how genetic variation is generated in sexually reproducing organisms.

4. What is meant by 'Genetic Variations'?

A. The changes in gene frequencies in a population over time

B. Differences in physical appearance among individuals in a species

C. The process by which genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring

D. Differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a species

Answer: (D)

Explanation

Genetic variations refer to differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a species, which are the basis for diversity and evolution.

5. What is the primary role or purpose of mitosis and meiosis in cell division?

A. Mitosis is involved in genetic variation, whereas meiosis is responsible for cell growth and repair.

B. Mitosis is for growth and tissue repair, while meiosis is for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

C. Mitosis produces genetically diverse gametes, while meiosis maintains chromosome number during growth.

D. Mitosis and meiosis both produce identical diploid cells for tissue repair.

Answer: (B)

Explanation

Mitosis's main role is to facilitate growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction by producing genetically identical diploid cells. Meiosis's main purpose is to produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction, increasing genetic diversity.