Question

During meiosis, a defect occurs in a cell that results in the failure of microtubules, spindle fibers, to bind at the kinetochores, a protein structure on chromatids where the spindle fibers attach during cell division to pull sister chromatids apart. Which of the following is the most likely result of such a defect?A) New microtubules with more effective binding capabilities to kinetochores will be synthesized to compensate for the defect.B) Excessive cell divisions will occur resulting in cancerous tumors and an increase in the chromosome numbers known as polyploidy.C) The defect will be bypassed in order to and ensure normal chromosome distribution in the new cells.D) The resulting cells will not receive the correct number of chromosomes in the gametes, a condition known as aneuploidy.

Answer 1

The resulting cells will not receive the correct number of chromosomes in the gametes, a condition known as aneuploidy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Formation of functional microtubule spindle fibers and their attachment to kinetochores of chromosomes is required to ensure their alignment st the cell's equator during metaphase. During anaphase, shortening of these microtubules pulls the chromosomes to the opposite poles. These events ensure the distribution of the correct number of chromosomes among the daughter cells. The presence of defective microtubules would not allow proper distribution of chromosomes to the daughter cells and would result in the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy).