During meiosis, if the parent cell starts with 6 chromosomes, how many
chromosomes will be found in the cell at anaphase I?
3
6
12
24

When a parent cell with 6 chromosomes undergoes meiosis, it first replicates its DNA during the S phase, resulting in 12 chromatids. However, during anaphase I of meiosis, the homologous chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids) are separated and pulled to opposite poles. At this point, each pole will receive 6 chromosomes, so the answer is 6 chromosomes at anaphase I.

The fascinating part of meiosis is that it sets the stage for genetic diversity! During this process, independent assortment and crossing over can shuffle genes in unexpected ways, leading to unique combinations in gametes. This is why siblings from the same parents can look quite different!