Question

A cell has four pairs of chromosomes. Assuming that crossing over does not occur, what is the probability that a gamete will contain all of the paternal chromosomes? if n equals the number of chromosomes in a set , which of the following expressions can be used to calculate the probability that a gamete will receive all of the paternal chromosomes:

A. (1/2)^n
B. (1/2)^n-1
C. n^1/2

Answer 1

The probability that a gamete will contain all of the paternal chromosomes when crossing over does not occur, and there are four pairs of chromosomes, is 1/16 or about 6.25%, using the formula (1/2)^n.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a cell has four pairs of chromosomes and crossing over does not occur, the probability that a gamete will contain all of the paternal chromosomes is calculated using the formula (1/2)^n, where n is the number of chromosome pairs or haploid number. Since each chromosome pair can independently assort into gametes as either the maternal or the paternal chromosome, and the probability of either occurring is 1/2, for four pairs of chromosomes (n=4), the probability that a gamete will receive all paternal chromosomes is (1/2)^4, which is 1/16 or approximately 6.25%.