154k views
5 votes
Scientists hypothesize that over millions of years the Y chromosome has lost genes to the X chromosome. During what stages of meiosis might this have happened?

User Zlaval
by
5.9k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

Read carefully below:

Step-by-step explanation:

The Y chromosome is passed from father to son, while the X chromosome is passed from mother to offspring of both sexes. Because the Y chromosome is passed on to offspring less frequently than the X chromosome, it is thought to have a higher rate of gene loss. This process is called Y chromosome degeneration.

Gene loss on the Y chromosome could occur during meiosis, the process of cell division that occurs during the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs). During meiosis, chromosomes are shuffled and recombined, and this can lead to the loss of genes that are not essential for survival.

There are two stages of meiosis: meiosis I and meiosis II. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes (chromosomes that have the same genes in the same relative positions) are paired and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over. This can lead to the loss of genes on the Y chromosome if they are not present on the corresponding position on the X chromosome.

During meiosis II, the chromosomes are separated into different gametes. If a gamete with a Y chromosome that has lost a gene is fertilized, the resulting offspring will not inherit that gene. Over time, this process could lead to the accumulation of gene losses on the Y chromosome.

It is important to note that the loss of genes on the Y chromosome is a slow process that occurs over millions of years, and it is thought to be a result of both natural selection and random genetic drift.

User Nicolas Noble
by
5.8k points