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Question

 Which statements could be categorized in the "Asexual" section of the Venn diagram? Check all that apply. mitosis diploid cells two cell divisions gametes identical DNA

Answer 1

"Mitosis", "Diploid cells", and "identical DNA" are the choices that can be categorized as asexual. The explanations for and against each answer choice are below.

1. Mitosis - This answer is correct because mitosis is a process by which your own cells multiply to ensure that there are enough healthy cells to perform their specific roles. In mitosis, the DNA in one of your cells is duplicated and another cell is formed with no genetic material from another person needed to form a complete set of chromosomes. Therefore, this process is asexual.
2. Diploid cells - Diploid cells are cells with two complete sets of chromosomes. These cells are produced through mitosis, when a cell in your body duplicates all chromosomes and then divides so that each cell has two complete sets. Compare this to haploid cells, which have only one set of chromosomes. Only when two haploid cells (often the sperm and egg) combine due they create a diploid cell that goes on to become a fetus. Therefore diploid cells are categorized as asexual.
3. Two cell divisions - In meiosis, there are two cell divisions. The first cell division involves the separation of homologous chromosomes, or chromosomes that are similar in size and gene order with one from each parent. Then in the second division, these chromosomes are pulled apart again and separated into sister chromatids. In asexual cell division, there is only one cell division in which the duplicated chromosomes are pulled apart in anaphase to have cells with two sets of complete chromosomes. Therefore, this is not categorized as asexual reproduction.
4. Gametes - Gametes are male or female reproductive cells, otherwise known as sperm or eggs. These cells are haploid cells, with only one set of chromosomes. Therefore they need to interact with other reproductive cells to have a two complete sets of chromosomes and form a fetus. Because there is input from another person required, this is not categorized as asexual reproduction.
5. Identical DNA - Identical DNA is characteristic of diploid cells produced by mitosis. When mitosis happens, the goal is not genetic diversity. All cells in our body other than gametes aim to have identical DNA so they can work together cohesively. Therefore when mitosis happens, both daughter cells have identical DNA. Compare this to meiosis, in which crossing over happens and genetic material from another person is also incorporated to make a cell for a completely unique person. This is why identical DNA is categorized as asexual.

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