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Q70
(NDA-II/2023)
Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Official Key
In a sexually reproducing organism, which one of the following statements is appropriate both for the parent and offspring ?
Explanation
In sexually reproducing organisms, the constancy of chromosome number and DNA content across generations is maintained through the processes of meiosis and fertilization.
- Meiosis: During the formation of gametes (sperm and egg), a specialized cell division called meiosis occurs. This is a reduction division that halves the chromosome number and DNA content, creating haploid (n) gametes.
- Fertilization: When two haploid gametes fuse during fertilization, they form a diploid (2n) zygote. This restores the original chromosome number and DNA content characteristic of the species.
Because of this cycle, the offspring ends up with the same number of chromosomes and the same amount of DNA as the parents. If this reduction and subsequent restoration did not occur, the genetic material would double with every generation, leading to biological instability. Therefore, Option B is correct as both parameters remain constant between parent and offspring.
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