Final answer:
During meiosis, the consequence of a pericentric inversion in one homologous chromosome and a normal homolog is the formation of a loop in one homolog and the molding around it by the other homolog. This maintains point-for-point synapsis and correct gene alignment but may lead to stretching and imprecise synapsis in certain regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
During meiosis, when one homologous chromosome undergoes a pericentric inversion (which includes the centromere), while the other remains normal, the individual is considered an inversion heterozygote. To pair accurately along their lengths, the homologs assume a specific structure.
One homolog forms a loop and the other homolog molds around it during point-for-point synapsis. Although this ensures correct gene alignment, it also forces the homologs to stretch and can be associated with regions of imprecise synapsis.