Final answer:
If something goes wrong during mitosis, the wrong number of chromosomes can be found in the daughter cells. Errors in chromosome separation, known as nondisjunction, can occur during meiosis and result in an abnormal chromosome number. This can lead to genetic disorders and abnormal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the process of mitosis, if something goes wrong, it can lead to an incorrect number of chromosomes in the daughter cells. This can occur due to errors in the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase. Nondisjunction is a term used to describe when homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids fail to separate properly, resulting in an abnormal chromosome number.
For example, if homologous chromosomes fail to separate during meiosis I, two gametes may lack that particular chromosome, while two gametes may have two copies of the chromosome. If sister chromatids fail to separate during meiosis II, one gamete may lack the chromosome, two gametes may have one copy of the chromosome, and one gamete may have two copies of the chromosome.
This can lead to genetic disorders or abnormal development in the offspring. It is important for proper chromosome segregation to occur during mitosis and meiosis to ensure the correct number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.