Meiosis is a type of cell divison in sexually reproducing organisms that reduces the number of chromosomes gametes. The human body contains diploid cells, containing two sets of chromosome, one for each parent. Paring homologous chromosomes is an important event in meiosis since it is accompanied by high level of genetic recombination that results in the segregation of homologs into separate sex cells. However, if the process is not correct, the sperm or egg cell may have incorrect number of chromosomes. This can be avoided by many chromosomes sticking together in a process known as crossing over.
To understand crossing over, researchers realized that a thin strand of DNA must bind on the homologous chromosome. However, the scientists were not able to explain how the chromosomes separated when meiosis was over. After investigating a fruit fly, they discovered that when an enzyme known as topoisomerase II was not activated, the chromosomes were unable to separate. They concluded that the fruit fly was sterile.
Based on the passage, what is the relationship between topoisomerase II and meiosis?
From the last paragraph, it is clear that the researchers discovered that when topoisomerase II were inactivated, the cells were unable to separate. Therefore, the enzyme is important as it aids the in the separation of the chromosomes.
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