Question

If during metaphase 1 all 23 maternal chromosomes line up on one side of the cell, would genetic diversity increase? Explain.

a. Yes, genetic diversity would increase.
b. No, genetic diversity would not change.
c. No, genetic diversity would decrease.
d. It depends on the positioning of paternal chromosomes.

Answer 1

In metaphase I of meiosis, the tetrads line up at the metaphase plate in a random arrangement. This independent assortment increases genetic diversity by producing unique combinations of genes in the gametes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In metaphase I of meiosis, the homologous chromosomes form pairs called tetrads. These tetrads line up at the middle of the cell to form the metaphase plate. The arrangement of the tetrads at the metaphase plate is random, meaning that any maternal chromosome can face either pole and any paternal chromosome can also face either pole.

This random arrangement, known as independent assortment, increases genetic diversity. It allows for different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes to be segregated into different daughter cells during meiosis, resulting in unique combinations of genes in the gametes. For humans with 23 pairs of chromosomes, there are over 8 million possible combinations of paternal and maternal chromosomes.