Nondisjunction that leads to problems in offspring can occur in: a. mitosis b. meiosis I only c. meiosis I and II d. mitosis, meiosis I, and meiosis II

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'nondisjunction'. Nondisjunction is an error in cell division that occurs when homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids fail to separate properly during meiosis or mitosis, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.
2. Step 2: Consider the options. Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. Meiosis I and II are stages of cell division that result in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option. Nondisjunction can occur in mitosis if the sister chromatids don't separate properly. It can also occur in meiosis I if homologous chromosomes don't separate, or in meiosis II if sister chromatids don't separate.
4. Step 4: Based on the above evaluations, nondisjunction can occur in all three processes: mitosis, meiosis I, and meiosis II.
5. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is d. mitosis, meiosis I, and meiosis II.

Key Concepts

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division. This can result in gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to conditions such as Down syndrome when these gametes participate in fertilization.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically diverse gametes. It consists of two rounds of division: meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes separate, and meiosis II, where sister chromatids separate, making it crucial for sexual reproduction.

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, maintaining the same chromosome number as the parent cell. Unlike meiosis, mitosis does not involve the reduction of chromosome number and is primarily involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.