Regarding meiosis, which of the statements is incorrect?
Correct answer: B — In S phase of meiosis DNA replication occurs twice
DNA replication occurs only once during S phase before meiosis, not twice. Like mitosis, meiosis is preceded by a single S phase where DNA replicates once, creating sister chromatids. The two divisions (meiosis I and II) redistribute this replicated genetic material to produce four haploid cells. All other statements are correct: meiosis has two stages, homologous pairing and recombination occur in meiosis I, and four haploid gametes result from meiosis II.
• Meiosis involves two sequential cycles of nuclear and cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II but only a single cycle of DNA replication. • Meiosis I is initiated after the DNA replication phase. Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis II. • Meiosis involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. • Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis II. Meiotic events can be grouped under the following phases:
NTA tests students on the critical fact that meiosis involves only ONE cycle of DNA replication but TWO consecutive cell divisions (meiosis I and II). This produces four haploid cells from one diploid cell. The trap: students often confuse meiosis with mitosis or think DNA replicates before both meiosis I and II. Remember: DNA replication happens only once during S phase before meiosis I begins. After that, no more replication occurs—meiosis II is just separation of sister chromatids. This 2:1 ratio (two divisions but one replication) is fundamental to producing haploid gametes and is frequently tested in NEET through numerical problems or comparison questions.
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