Question

Consider a diploid cell where 2n = 6. During metaphase I of meiosis, as the pairs of homologous chromosomes line up on the metaphase plate, each pair may orient with its maternal or paternal homolog closer to a given pole. There are four equally probable arrangements of the homologous pairs at metaphase I. (Note that this problem assumes that no crossing over has occurred.)

Answer 1

Meiosis causes genetic variations which are the random arrangement of homologous chromosomes at the stage of meiosis I. At metaphase I, each pair may arrange with either paternal or maternal homolog near the given pole. Independent assortment takes place of each pair of every other pair.

A diploid cell with 2n can generate 2³ or 8 possible combinations of paternal or paternal chromosomes in the daughter cells produced. If crossing over has occurred the possible combinations would be greater than that.

Thus, the correct answer is - 8 possible combinations.