Question

Separation of the pair of chromosomes at the time of gamete formation will

• A. result in zygote formation
• B. further lead to the beginning of meiosis
• C. also result in segregation of a pair of factors
• D. affect zygote formation

Answer 1

The correct option is C also result in segregation of a pair of factors

Due to advancements in microscopy, scientists were able to observe cell division more clearly leading to the discovery of coloured bodies within the cells known as chromosomes.

By 1902, Sutton and Boveri noted that the behaviour of chromosomes was similar to the behaviour of Mendelian factors at the time of gamete formation.

They proposed that pairing and separation of a pair of chromosomes at the time of gamete formation will lead to segregation of pairs of factors as factors are carried by chromosomes. Hence, they proved Mendel’s law of segregation that states that factors controlling a character separate during gamete formation.

The knowledge of chromosomal movement and segregation was united with Mendelian principles and this was called chromosomal theory of inheritance.

Separation of the pair of chromosomes at the time of gamete formation neither results in the formation of zygote nor affects the process. The formation of zygote takes place when the male gamete fuses with the female gamete.

Separation of pairs of chromosomes takes place during meiosis in order to ensure reduction in the number of chromosomes in the gametes. It is not followed by meiosis again.