In Figure 33.8, assume that the two medusae shown at step 4 were produced by one polyp colony. Review Concept 12.1 and Concept 13.3, and then use your understanding of mitosis and meiosis to evaluate whether the following sentence is true or false; if false, select the answer that provides the correct reason. Although the two medusae are genetically identical, a sperm produced by one will differ genetically from an egg produced by the other.
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a. False (both the medusae and the gametes are genetically identical)
b. False (neither the medusae nor the gametes are genetically identical)
c. False (the medusae are not identical, but the gametes are)
d. True

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review the process of mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in genetically identical cells, while meiosis results in genetically diverse gametes due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment.
2. Understand that medusae are produced asexually from polyps through mitosis, meaning they are genetically identical to the parent polyp colony.
3. Consider the production of gametes in medusae. Gametes are produced through meiosis, which introduces genetic variation.
4. Evaluate the statement: 'Although the two medusae are genetically identical, a sperm produced by one will differ genetically from an egg produced by the other.' Since gametes are produced by meiosis, they are genetically diverse.
5. Determine the truth of the statement based on the understanding that medusae are genetically identical due to mitosis, but their gametes are genetically diverse due to meiosis. This supports the statement as true.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. It is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. In the context of the question, mitosis explains how the medusae can be genetically identical if they are produced from the same polyp colony.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction and genetic variation. In the question, meiosis explains why gametes (sperm and egg) produced by the medusae are genetically different, despite the medusae being identical.

Genetic Variation

Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population. It is primarily generated through meiosis and fertilization, contributing to the diversity of traits. In the question, genetic variation is the reason why gametes from genetically identical medusae can differ, as meiosis introduces variation through processes like crossing over and independent assortment.