Question

A chromosome has an inversion. Which describes a pericentric inversion?

deletion of genes within the same chromosome arm
switching of genes within the same chromosome arm
switching of genes around the centromere
deletion of genes around the centromere

Answer 1

A pericentric inversion involves the switching of genes around the centromere of a chromosome and can alter the arms' relative lengths.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pericentric inversion describes the switching of genes around the centromere of a chromosome. This type of inversion includes a 180° rotation of a chromosome segment that spans the centromere and, consequently, can change the relative lengths of the chromosome arms, making such inversions identifiable. Unlike deletions, inversions do not remove genetic material but rather change its position, which may or may not have significant phenotypic effects, depending on whether the inversion disrupts any gene functions.

Answer 2

The correct answer for this question would be the fourth option. Deletion of genes around the centromere is considered a pericentric inversion. The Pericentric inversions include the centromere and there is a break point in each arm. Deletions and duplications occur during crossing over during the inversion which results in recombination in two loops.