In a sexually reproducing organism, which one of the following stateme

In a sexually reproducing organism, which one of the following statements is appropriate both for the parent and offspring ?

Chromosome number increases but DNA content remains constant
Both chromosome number and DNA content remains constant
Chromosome number decreases but DNA content remains constant
Both chromosome number and DNA content decreases
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
In a sexually reproducing species, the characteristic chromosome number remains constant from one generation to the next. Meiosis in the parent produces haploid gametes (n chromosomes, half the DNA content per set of chromosomes compared to somatic cells). Fertilization of two haploid gametes restores the diploid chromosome number (2n) in the offspring zygote. The amount of DNA per set of chromosomes is also maintained across generations through the DNA replication and segregation processes during cell division. Therefore, comparing the somatic cells of a parent and its offspring, both the chromosome number (2n) and the DNA content per somatic cell remain constant for the species.
Sexual reproduction involves the halving of chromosome number during gamete formation (meiosis) and the restoration of the diploid number during fertilization, thereby maintaining the species-specific chromosome number and genetic content across generations.
While the DNA content fluctuates within a single cell cycle (doubling before division and halving during division), the fundamental amount of DNA associated with the diploid chromosome set characteristic of the species remains constant across parent and offspring generations in terms of somatic cells.
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