Question

If 2n = 14, (n = 7), then what will happen during meiosis?

• A. 7 set of chromosomes will be passed to the offsprings from maternal side only.
• B. 7 set of chromosomes will be passed to the offsprings from paternal side only.
• C. The characters will get mixed up and passed to offsprings.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The characters will get mixed up and passed to offsprings.

During meiosis, the homologous chromosomes pair and exchange segments then they are separated into separate gametes. If in a cell the diploid chromosome number is 14, during meiosis there will form seven pairs of homologous chromosomes. The two chromosomes in each of these seven pairs will exchange segments leading to mixing of characters. Following the exchange of segments, one chromosome from each of the seven pairs will be passed on two daughter cells which in turn will divide by the process of mitosis into two cells each giving rise to four haploid gametes. The haploid gametes will fuse and In the next generation mixed or crossed or jumbled or new combinations of characters will be passed on to progeny.