Question

It is unlikely that any two human gametes will have the same combination of homologous chromosomes because the homologues are similar but not identical. Therefore, the random alignment of homologous chromosomes that occurs in choose of meiosis provides a mechanism for vast genetic diversity.

a) Anaphase I
b) Prophase I
c) Metaphase I
d) Telophase I

Answer 1

The random alignment of homologous chromosomes during Metaphase I of meiosis is what introduces a high degree of genetic diversity into human gametes through independent assortment and crossing over.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is during Metaphase I of meiosis that the random alignment of homologous chromosomes occurs, contributing to vast genetic diversity in human gametes. This process is known as independent assortment, where homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed to daughter cells. The potential for variation is immense due to the arrangement of the tetrads being different in every cell that undergoes meiosis. With humans having 23 chromosome pairs, this leads to over eight million (223) possible genetically distinct gametes, this figure doesn't even include additional variability from crossing over between nonsister chromatids during Prophase I.