Final answer:
A pericentric inversion on chromosome 8 can result in the production of gametes with duplicated or deficient segments of the chromosome. The probability of the child inheriting these abnormalities depends on the specific location and size of the inversion, as well as the frequency of crossing over in that region.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pericentric inversion is a structural rearrangement of a chromosome that involves breaking the chromosome at two points and reinserting the segment in the opposite orientation. In this case, the woman is heterozygous for the pericentric inversion on chromosome 8, which means she has one normal chromosome 8 and one chromosome 8 with the inversion.
During meiosis, when the woman's chromosomes pair up, the two copies of chromosome 8 will form a loop structure to allow for accurate pairing along their lengths. However, crossing over within the pericentric inversion can result in the production of gametes with duplicated or deficient segments of chromosome 8.
The probability that the couple's child will inherit a duplicated or deficient chromosome 8 resulting from crossing over within the pericentric inversion depends on the specific location and size of the inversion, as well as the frequency of crossing over in that region. Without further information, it is difficult to determine the exact probability.