What must happen before meiosis can begin?

What must happen before meiosis can begin?

• A. The cell splits into four parts. B. Four haploid cells are produced. C. DNA must duplicate four times. D. The chromosomes must replicate.

• Answer:

  Meiosis is used for sexual reproductions. It consists of two nuclear divisions {meiosis I and meiosis II) and results in the production of haploid cells called gametes. Because the chromosome number is reduced by one half, meiosis is sometimes referred to as reduction division. Before meiosis can proceed, however, homologous chromosomes must first pair together, a process known as synapsis. This is the time that crossing over can occur. Crossing over results in the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromatids. As in mitosis, meiosis is a continuous process.