Question

If we continue to follow the cell lineage from question 4, then the DNA content of a single cell at metaphase of meiosis II will be

1. 0.25x
2. 0.5x
3. x
4. 2x

Short answer

1. The option“0.25x” is false.
2. The option“0.5x” is false.
3. The option“x” is true.
4. The option“2x” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Description of DNA

DNA is the genetic material present in the cell. The DNA gets replicated because the copies of DNA get infused into the daughter cells. It is produced via cell division.

Explanation of option “(A)”

The number of DNA does not get reduced by one-fourth. The combining of chromosomes does not result in a 0.25x number of DNA.

The number of DNA does not get reduced four times.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option “(B)”

The cell lineage is considered as x from question 4. After meiosis I, the number of DNA gets reduced due to the chromosomes combining in pairs.

The DNA count that takes place does not reduce by half or 0.5x from 2x.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option “(C)”

The metaphase of meiosis with the DNA content of the cell is 2x. This cell lineage follows in the metaphase of meiosis II. In the process of metaphase II, the sister chromatids are joined together. In a single cell, the DNA value tends to decrease from 2x to x.

Thus the cell with the DNA content as x is formed at the end of metaphase of meiosis II.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option “(D)”

The sister chromatid joining in the metaphase of meiosis II causes a decrease in the DNA count of the single cell.

The value of 2x will not remain the same.

Therefore, the given option is false.