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Chapter 13: Problem 5

Explain how the random alignment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I contributes to variation in gametes produced by meiosis.

Short Answer

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Answer: The random alignment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I of meiosis contributes to genetic diversity in offspring due to the process of independent assortment. This leads to each gamete having a unique combination of chromosomes, which when combined during fertilization, results in offspring with varied genetic makeups. This variation increases genetic diversity within a population, allowing for adaptation and survival in changing environments.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

In meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate into daughter cells and form gametes (sperm cells in males and egg cells in females). Genetic diversity is crucial for the survival of a population because it allows individuals to adapt to changing environments. One of the main sources of genetic diversity in sexual reproduction is the random alignment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I of meiosis, also known as independent assortment.
02

Meiosis Overview

Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It involves two successive rounds of cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II. Meiosis I is further divided into various stages: prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I and telophase I. During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over.
03

Metaphase I

Metaphase I is the stage of meiosis I where the homologous chromosomes are aligned at the cell's equator. Each pair of homologous chromosomes consists of one chromosome originating from the mother (maternal) and one from the father (paternal). They are connected to spindle fibers, which help to pull them apart during the following stage, anaphase I. The key feature of this stage is the random arrangement of homologous chromosomes at the equator, leading to a phenomenon called independent assortment.
04

Independent Assortment

Independent assortment is the process where the maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes are arranged randomly at the cell's equator during metaphase I. This random arrangement directly leads to the different combinations of chromosomes in the resulting daughter cells. The number of possible combinations is determined by the formula 2^n, where n is the number of homologous chromosome pairs. For example, in humans, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes, resulting in 2^23 (or approximately 8 million) different possible combinations.
05

Variation in Gametes

The random alignment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I leads to genetic variation in the gametes produced by meiosis. This means that each gamete (sperm or egg cells) will have a unique combination of chromosomes, contributing to the genetic diversity of offspring. When gametes from two parents fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have a combination of chromosomes different from any other individual, increasing the overall genetic diversity within a population. This process is critical for maintaining the adaptability and health of a species.
06

Conclusion

To summarize, the random alignment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I of meiosis contributes to genetic variation in gametes due to the process of independent assortment. As a result, the offspring inherit unique combinations of chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity within a population and thus allowing for adaptation and survival in changing environments.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

At which stage of meiosis are sister chromatids separated from each other? a. prophase I b. prophase II c. anaphase I d. anaphase II

An organism's traits are determined by the specific combination of inherited \(-------\) ' a. cells b. genes c. proteins d. chromatids

A diploid cell has \(_{--------}\) the number of chromosomes as a haploid cell. a. one-fourth b. one-half c. twice d. four times

Which of the following is the correct order of events in mitosis? a. Sister chromatids line up at the metaphase plate. The kinetochore becomes attached to the mitotic spindle. The nucleus re-forms and the cell divides. The sister chromatids separate. b. The kinetochore becomes attached to the mitotic spindle. The sister chromatids separate. Sister chromatids line up at the metaphase plate. The nucleus re-forms and the cell divides. c. The kinetochore becomes attached to metaphase plate. Sister chromatids line up at the metaphase plate. The kinetochore breaks down and the sister chromatids separate. The nucleus re-forms and the cell divides. d. The kinetochore becomes attached to the mitotic spindle. Sister chromatids line up at the metaphase plate. The kinetochore breaks apart and the sister chromatids separate. The nucleus re-forms and the cell divides.

Meiosis produces daughter cells. a. two haploid b. two diploid c. four haploid d. four diploid
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