Question

Which two phases of meiosis 1 provide the greatest chance for genetic diversity? Select all that apply

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

Answer 1

So, genetic variation or diversity occurs at several levels during meiosis and fertilization: At the level of crossing over during prophase-I which creates newer genetic combinations. At the level of separation of homologous chromosomes during metaphase-I (independent assortment)

Answer 2

The greatest opportunities for genetic diversity in meiosis I occur during prophase I, through crossover events, and metaphase I via random assortment of chromosomes, both contributing to the array of possible genetic combinations in gametes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two phases of meiosis I that provide the greatest chance for genetic diversity are prophase I and metaphase I. During prophase I, crossover events occur between nonsister chromatids of homologous chromosome pairs, creating recombinant chromatids with new combinations of genes. Then, in metaphase I, the random assortment of chromosomes on the metaphase plate leads to unique combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes being distributed into the gametes.

This process is significant because it allows for a vast number of possible combinations. For example, with the number of human chromosomes (n=23), there are over 8 million potential combinations of chromosomes that can result from the independent assortment during metaphase I.