Answer:
The options are missing in the question: They are,
A) It has half the amount of DNA as the cell that began meiosis.
B) It has half the chromosomes but twice the DNA of the originating cell.
C) It has one-fourth the DNA and one-half the chromosomes as the originating cell.
D) It is identical in content to another cell formed from the same meiosis I event.
The answer is A
Explanation:
Prior to undergoing any cell division including meiosis, the cell undergoes a phase called Interphase where it replicates its genetic material (DNA). The genetic material (DNA) content duplicates i.e. × 2 of the original number, during this phase. Each chromosome duplicates to form SISTER CHROMATIDS joined at the centromere.
Meiosis is the cell division that results in daughter cells with a reduced number of chromosomes (by half). It occurs in two distinct stages; Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes (similar but non-identical chromosomes received from each parent) separates. Hence, the actual reduction in chromosomal number occurs here, this aslo affects the DNA content, as each divided cell i.e. after cytokinensis, now contains 1/2 of the DNA that started the actual meiotic division.
Here is how it works, each chromosome before DNA replication contains 1 DNA. Let's say the total chromosomes of the diploid organism (2n) is 46, hence, the organism at this stage contains 46 DNA. Each 46 chromosomes replicate to form 92 sister chromatids, which are still regarded as one chromosome each since each sister chromatids is linked at the centromere. Hence, we still have 46 chromosomes but the DNA content increases from 46 to 92, since each sister chromatid now contains one DNA.
Meiosis I occurs and homologous chromosomes separate. Hence each cell now has 23 chromosomes (46 sister chromatids) and 46 DNA i.e. 1/2 of the starting 92.
