Final answer:
During meiosis, a diploid cell with homologous chromosomes having alleles Pq and pQ undergoes two cell division rounds to create four haploid recombinant cells. Recombination can result in new allele combinations such as PQ, pQ, Pq, and pq, contributing to genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Meiosis and Recombination
In biology, specifically genetics, diploid cells contain pairs of homologous chromosomes with alleles, which are different versions of a gene at the same locus. In the scenario where a diploid cell has two homologous chromosomes with alleles Pq and pQ, meiosis will lead to the creation of recombinant haploid cells through two rounds of cell division.
Overview of Meiosis
Meiosis I begins following DNA replication, where each chromosome now consists of two identical sister chromatids. Homologous chromosomes—each from a different parent—pair up during this phase. The question asks to illustrate recombination, which typically occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where crossing over between homologous chromosomes can result in the exchange of genetic material. After metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I, including cytokinesis, we end up with two haploid cells, each with one chromosome set.
In Meiosis II, no DNA replication occurs between the divisions, the sister chromatids separate, and four haploid daughter cells are formed, each with a single version of each chromosome—which could now be recombinant if crossing over occurred.
Recombinant Cells After Meiosis
The original cell's chromosomes (Pq and pQ) can undergo crossing over, producing potential combinations such as PQ, pQ, Pq, and pq. Upon completion of meiosis I and II, there will be four haploid gamete cells, reflecting these new combinations due to recombination—a key contributor to genetic diversity.
Overall, the recombinant cells resulting from a diploid cell with Pq and pQ alleles that undergoes meiosis will have combinations of alleles that differ from the original pairing on each homologous chromosome.