A Level Biology Practice Exam

Which process results in chromatids with genetic diversity?

1. Mitosis

2. Meiosis

3. Binary fission

4. Transcription

The correct answer is: Meiosis

Meiosis is the process that results in chromatids with genetic diversity. This reduction division occurs specifically in the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs) and involves two rounds of division, Meiosis I and Meiosis II. During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo crossing over, an exchange of genetic material between chromatids. This shuffling of genes contributes to genetic diversity in the resulting gametes. Additionally, the random assortment of chromosomes during both divisions creates a wide variety of potential combinations of alleles. In contrast, mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells and does not involve the mechanisms that promote genetic variation, such as crossing over or independent assortment. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction found in prokaryotes, resulting in two identical cells without genetic diversity. Transcription is a process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template and does not contribute to changes in genetic variation among chromatids.