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Quizzes > Science > Biology

Meiosis I & II Quiz: Can You Identify Prophase I?

Think you know phases of meiosis? Spot the prophase I diagram now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art diagram of meiosis I and II showing chromosomes and prophase I labels for quiz on golden yellow background

Embark on a fascinating journey through cell division as you discover which diagram represents prophase 1 of meiosis and sharpen your chromosome-crunching skills! Trace homologous chromosomes as they pair, exchange genetic material, and set the stage for genetic diversity. This free Meiosis I & II quiz lets you tackle both meiosis I questions and meiosis II questions, explore phases of meiosis quiz challenges, and boost your cell division trivia prowess. Whether you're prepping for exams or fueling your passion for biology, our meiosis quiz is the perfect warm-up, and the quiz on cell division will deepen your knowledge. Ready to test your diagram skills? Click "Start" and dive in now!

During prophase I of meiosis, what major event leads to genetic variation?
Segregation of sister chromatids
Crossing over between homologous chromosomes
Replication of DNA
Separation of homologous chromosomes
During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair and exchange segments of DNA in a process called crossing over. This exchange creates new combinations of alleles and increases genetic diversity in gametes. Crossing over is a hallmark of meiosis and does not occur during mitosis. Khan Academy: Meiosis
Which structure is formed by four chromatids during prophase I?
Synaptonemal complex
Centromere
Tetrad
Chromatid
A tetrad consists of two homologous chromosomes, each made up of two sister chromatids, totaling four chromatids. This grouping allows homologs to exchange genetic material. The term synaptonemal complex refers to the protein scaffold holding them together, not the chromatid count. Khan Academy: Meiosis
At which phase of meiosis does the nuclear envelope begin to break down for the first time?
Metaphase I
Prophase I
Telophase I
Anaphase I
The nuclear envelope starts disintegrating in prophase I to allow spindle fibers to interact with chromosomes. In later stages, the envelope remains absent until telophase. This initial breakdown is essential for chromosome movement. Khan Academy: Meiosis
How many rounds of DNA replication occur before the start of prophase I?
Three
Two
One
None
DNA replication occurs once during the S phase before meiosis I, resulting in duplicated sister chromatids. No additional replication rounds occur before prophase I. This ensures each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids. Khan Academy: Meiosis
Which of the following does NOT occur during prophase I?
Formation of chiasmata
Crossing over between homologous chromosomes
Alignment of chromosomes at the equatorial plate
Synapsis of homologous chromosomes
Alignment of chromosomes on the metaphase plate occurs in metaphase I, not prophase I. Prophase I is when homologous chromosomes pair, form synaptonemal complexes, and exchange segments. Chiasmata become visible later but during prophase I. Khan Academy: Meiosis
The chiasmata visible during prophase I represent sites of what?
DNA replication initiation
Spindle attachment
Genetic crossover between homologous chromosomes
Centromere formation
Chiasmata are the cytological manifestations of crossover events where homologous chromosomes have exchanged DNA. They hold homologs together until anaphase I. Their presence is a key indicator of successful recombination. Khan Academy: Meiosis
In prophase I, what protein structure holds homologous chromosomes together during synapsis?
Cohesin complex
Kinetochore
Synaptonemal complex
Centrosome
The synaptonemal complex is a protein scaffold that aligns and holds homologous chromosomes in place for recombination during prophase I. Cohesin holds sister chromatids together, not homologs. This structure disassembles later in prophase I. Khan Academy: Meiosis
Which event follows prophase I during meiosis I?
Metaphase I
Cytokinesis
Telophase I
Prophase II
After prophase I (and prometaphase I), chromosomes align on the metaphase plate in metaphase I. Following this, homologous chromosomes separate in anaphase I. Telophase I and cytokinesis happen later. Khan Academy: Meiosis
In meiosis I, what substage of prophase I is characterized by homologous chromosomes beginning to pair?
Diplotene
Pachytene
Leptotene
Zygotene
Leptotene is the first subphase of prophase I, when chromosomes start condensing and initial pairing of homologous chromosomes begins. Synapsis is not yet complete. Subsequent substages further align and crossover occurs. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
During which substage of prophase I is the synaptonemal complex fully formed?
Zygotene
Diakinesis
Leptotene
Pachytene
Zygotene is the stage when homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis, facilitated by the assembly of the synaptonemal complex. This structure brings homologs into tight alignment. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
In which substage of prophase I are chiasmata first visible under a light microscope?
Diplotene
Leptotene
Diakinesis
Pachytene
Chiasmata become visible during diplotene when the synaptonemal complex disassembles and homologs begin to separate, except at crossover points. This is the first time crossovers can be observed microscopically. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
Which substage involves maximal chromosomal condensation preparing for metaphase I?
Diakinesis
Zygotene
Pachytene
Leptotene
Diakinesis is the final substage of prophase I, marked by maximum condensation of chromosomes, terminalization of chiasmata, and breakdown of the nuclear envelope. It directly precedes metaphase I. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
Which enzyme initiates the double-strand breaks required for crossing over in prophase I?
Spo11
Helicase
Topoisomerase II
DNA ligase
Spo11 is a conserved enzyme that catalyzes programmed double-strand breaks to initiate homologous recombination during prophase I. These breaks are repaired using the homolog as a template. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
What is the role of recombination nodules during prophase I?
Duplicate DNA
Align centromeres
Facilitate crossover formation
Degrade synaptonemal complex
Recombination nodules are protein complexes that appear along the synaptonemal complex and are sites where crossover events are processed and resolved. They ensure proper exchange of DNA segments. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
How is metaphase I distinguished from metaphase II in terms of chromosomal arrangement?
No spindle forms
Nuclear envelope remains intact
Paired homologous chromosomes align at the plate
Single chromatids align at the plate
In metaphase I, homologous chromosome pairs (tetrads) line up at the metaphase plate. In metaphase II, individual sister chromatids align. This distinction reflects the reductional versus equational division. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
Compared to prophase II, prophase I is unique because it includes:
DNA replication
Nuclear envelope breakdown
Crossing over between homologs
Spindle formation
Crossing over is exclusive to prophase I when homologous chromosomes undergo recombination. Prophase II lacks this event because homologs have already segregated. Both prophase I and II involve spindle formation and nuclear envelope breakdown. NCBI Bookshelf: Meiosis Overview
Which protein complex is responsible for maintaining cohesion between sister chromatids during prophase I?
Synaptonemal complex
Kinetochore
Condensin
Cohesin
Cohesin is a ring-shaped protein complex that holds sister chromatids together from DNA replication until their separation. It ensures proper tension and alignment during meiosis. Condensin, by contrast, helps condense chromosomes. Wikipedia: Cohesin
The pachytene checkpoint during prophase I ensures:
Complete synapsis and recombination
Formation of spindle fibers
Proper DNA replication
Separation of homologous chromosomes
The pachytene checkpoint monitors the successful pairing and recombination of homologous chromosomes. It prevents progression if synapsis or crossover repair is incomplete, safeguarding genomic integrity. Wikipedia: Pachytene checkpoint
Crossover interference during prophase I refers to:
Accelerated chromosome condensation
Inhibition of synapsis
Prevention of two crossovers occurring close together
Inhibition of double?strand break formation
Crossover interference reduces the probability of nearby crossovers on the same chromosome, ensuring they are spaced apart. This patterning contributes to proper chromosomal segregation. Wikipedia: Crossover interference
What distinguishes diakinesis from diplotene in prophase I?
Crossing over initiation
Appearance of recombination nodules
Chromosome decondensation
Synaptonemal complex disassembly and chiasmata terminalization
Diakinesis is marked by the breakdown of the synaptonemal complex, migration of chiasmata toward chromosome ends, and maximum chromosome condensation. Diplotene occurs earlier when homologs begin to separate but the complex is still present. Wikipedia: Diakinesis
Which of the following best describes a Holliday junction formed during prophase I recombination?
An interlocked pair of synapsed chromosomes
A protein complex of cohesins
A four-stranded DNA structure
A chromatid attachment site for spindles
A Holliday junction is a cross-shaped DNA structure where single strands from homologous chromosomes exchange and pair, forming a key intermediate in recombination. It must be resolved to complete crossover or noncrossover outcomes. Wikipedia: Holliday junction
In a diploid organism with a haploid number of 8, how many chromatids are present in a nucleus during pachytene?
32
8
64
16
A haploid number of 8 means 2n = 16 chromosomes in a diploid cell. After DNA replication, each chromosome has two sister chromatids, totaling 32 chromatids present during pachytene. Khan Academy: Meiosis
Which mismatch repair protein family helps resolve recombination intermediates during prophase I?
MutS homologs
RuvABC
SMC
RecA
MutS homologs recognize and bind mismatches in heteroduplex DNA formed during recombination and recruit other repair factors. They help ensure fidelity of crossover events. Wikipedia: MutS
The regulation of double-strand break formation in prophase I is dependent on:
Cyclin-dependent kinases
DNA polymerase activity
Spo11 concentration
Telomerase action
Spo11 is the enzyme that catalyzes double-strand breaks and its levels and activity determine the timing and number of breaks. Its precise regulation is critical for proper recombination. Wikipedia: Spo11
During meiosis I, resolution of double Holliday junctions by the Mus81-Mms4 complex predominantly leads to which outcome?
Non-crossover products
Crossover products
Chromatid separation
Synaptonemal disassembly
The Mus81-Mms4 endonuclease complex preferentially resolves double Holliday junctions into crossover products, contributing to homologous recombination and genetic diversity. Its activity complements other resolvases for balanced crossover formation. Wikipedia: Mus81
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Prophase I Diagrams -

    Accurately pinpoint which diagram represents prophase 1 of meiosis by recognizing synapsis, tetrad formation, and crossing-over features.

  2. Differentiate Meiosis I and II Stages -

    Distinguish between the key events of meiosis I and meiosis II to reinforce your understanding when tackling meiosis quiz questions.

  3. Recall Chromosome Behavior -

    Recall how sister chromatids and homologous chromosomes behave during each phase, enhancing your performance on phases of meiosis quiz challenges.

  4. Analyze Cell Division Trivia -

    Analyze cell division trivia scenarios by applying conceptual knowledge to answer thought-provoking meiosis I and II quiz prompts.

  5. Apply Phase Order Knowledge -

    Apply the correct sequence of meiosis stages to diagrams and multiple-choice questions, boosting confidence in meiosis I questions and meiosis II questions.

  6. Evaluate Chromosomal Exchanges -

    Evaluate the role of crossing-over during prophase I to understand genetic recombination within the context of cell division trivia and meiosis quizzes.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Synapsis and Tetrad Formation -

    During prophase I, homologous chromosomes align closely in synapsis, creating tetrads of four chromatids each (Nature Education). Spotting these X-shaped clusters is essential when determining which diagram represents prophase 1 of meiosis in a meiosis quiz. Remember the mnemonic "S.T.E.M." (Synapsis, Tetrad, Exchange, Membrane breakdown) to recall the sequence effortlessly.

  2. Crossing Over and Genetic Recombination -

    In prophase I, non-sister chromatids exchange segments at chiasmata, driving genetic diversity (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). When you see diagrams with overlapping chromatids and visible crossover points, you're looking at prophase I structures. Think "crossing roads" to link chiasmata locations with recombination events.

  3. Chiasmata Visibility as a Diagnostic Feature -

    Chiasmata - where chromatids remain connected - appear as clear X-shaped knots under the microscope (University of Wisconsin - Madison). Diagrams highlighting these junctions confirm prophase I rather than a later stage in the phases of meiosis quiz. Use the phrase "chiasmata connect" to lock in this signature prophase I marker.

  4. Nuclear Envelope Breakdown and Spindle Assembly -

    As prophase I progresses, the nuclear membrane disintegrates and spindle fibers form, preparing chromosomes for alignment (NIH Genetics Home Reference). In quizzes on meiosis I questions, look for diagrams showing spindles emanating from centrioles near the cell poles. Visualize the "envelope exit" to link membrane dissolution with spindle initiation.

  5. Distinguishing Meiosis I from Meiosis II -

    Unlike meiosis II, prophase I features homolog pairing and recombination rather than sister chromatid separation (American Society for Cell Biology). In a phases of meiosis quiz, diagrams without tetrads but showing single chromosomes indicate prophase II, so double-chromatid groupings mark prophase I. Recall "I for Interaction" to remember that homologs interact only in meiosis I.

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