Question

Given the end results of the two types of division, why is it necessary for homologs to pair during meiosis and not desirable for them to pair during mitosis?

Short answer

Answer: Homologs need to pair during meiosis to ensure genetic recombination, which promotes genetic diversity within a population. This is vital for sexual reproduction. However, it is undesirable for homologs to pair during mitosis because it could disrupt the production of identical daughter cells, which is necessary for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

Step-by-step solution

Mitosis and meiosis are two types of cell division. Mitosis is the process of dividing a cell into two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It ensures growth and repair in an organism. Meiosis, on the other hand, is cell division that occurs in germ cells (sex cells) to create gametes, which are cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is vital for sexual reproduction. #Step 2: Comprehend the role of homologs in cell division#

Homologs are pairs of chromosomes, one maternal and one paternal, that have the same genes but may have different alleles (versions of a gene). The correct pairing and separation of homologous chromosomes are crucial during meiosis to ensure that gametes receive a complete set of chromosomes, with one chromosome from each homologous pair. #Step 3: Explain why homologs need to pair in meiosis#

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes must pair to undergo a process called crossing over. This process involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new combinations of alleles. This genetic recombination contributes to genetic diversity within a population, ensuring that offspring have a unique set of genetic traits. Homologs need to pair during meiosis to ensure this genetic diversity. #Step 4: Explain why homologs should not pair in mitosis#

Mitosis aims to create two genetically identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The pairing of homologs during mitosis would lead to unnecessary chromosome interactions that could interfere with the primary purpose of mitosis – creating identical daughter cells for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Homologs should not pair during mitosis to ensure that the daughter cells maintain identical genetic information without any recombination. In conclusion, it is necessary for homologs to pair during meiosis to ensure genetic recombination occurs, promoting genetic diversity within a population. In contrast, it is undesirable for homologs to pair during mitosis, as this could disrupt the production of identical daughter cells for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.