Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 11 - The Cell Cycle and Cell Division - 11.4 - Cell Division Plays Important Roles in the Sexual Life Cycle - 11.4 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 226: 3

Answer

All sexual life cycles involve meiosis in order to produce haploid cells that will fertilize to form diploid cells. In many life cycles the products of meiosis will undergo cell division to result in a mature offspring. Random selection of half of the diploid chromosome set essentially randomizes the genetics that an offspring will receive, so no two individuals will have the exactly the same genetic makeup (the exception being twins).

Work Step by Step

All sexual life cycles involve meiosis in order to produce haploid cells that will fertilize to form diploid cells. In many life cycles the products of meiosis will undergo cell division to result in a mature offspring. Random selection of half of the diploid chromosome set essentially randomizes the genetics that an offspring will receive, so no two individuals will have the exactly the same genetic makeup (the exception being twins).
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