Question

Explain how equal genetic contribution of male and female parents is ensured in the progeny.

Answer 1

During gamete formation, each gamete receives half the number of chromosomes i.e. 23. During sexual reproduction, a female gamete (having 23 chromosomes) fuses with a male gamete (having 23 chromosomes) to form zygote. Zygote is diploid (n=46) which contains 23 chromosomes from mother and 23 from father. In this way, an equal genetic contribution of male and female parents is ensured in the progeny.