Germ cell division is called what?

Germ cell division is called what?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Cytogenesis
• D. Karyokinesis

Answer: (B)

Germ cell division is meiosis, a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to form haploid gametes. It happens in the reproductive organs and involves two successive divisions after one round of DNA replication. In the first division, homologous chromosomes pair and separate, halving the chromosome count. In the second division, the sister chromatids separate, producing four genetically distinct haploid cells. The genetic variation arises from crossing-over during the first division and from independent assortment of chromosomes. Mitosis, by contrast, is the division of somatic cells to create two identical diploid daughter cells. Cytokinesis is the cytoplasmic split that follows nuclear division, and karyokinesis is the division of the nucleus; these terms describe parts of cell division rather than the specific process producing gametes.

Germ cell division is meiosis, a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to form haploid gametes. It happens in the reproductive organs and involves two successive divisions after one round of DNA replication. In the first division, homologous chromosomes pair and separate, halving the chromosome count. In the second division, the sister chromatids separate, producing four genetically distinct haploid cells. The genetic variation arises from crossing-over during the first division and from independent assortment of chromosomes. Mitosis, by contrast, is the division of somatic cells to create two identical diploid daughter cells. Cytokinesis is the cytoplasmic split that follows nuclear division, and karyokinesis is the division of the nucleus; these terms describe parts of cell division rather than the specific process producing gametes.