The diagram shows the karyotypes of a body cell for a male and a female fruit fly.
How many chromosomes will the egg of a female fruit fly have?
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 8
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The diagram shows the karyotypes of a body cell for a male and a female fruit fly.
How many chromosomes will the egg of a female fruit fly have?
\(B\)
→ In the diagram, the female fruit fly has 8 chromosomes in body cells (2 sex chromosomes + 6 autosomes across pairs I, II, and III)
→ During gamete formation, the female fruit fly’s cells undergo meiosis which halves the total chromosome number.
→ Therefore her eggs will contain half that number, resulting in 4 chromosomes total.
\(\Rightarrow B\)
The diagram shows a model developed in the early 20th century of crossing over of homologous chromosomes.
Explain how the difference between this model and our current model of crossing over reflects an increased understanding of the way in which new combinations of genotypes are produced. Support your answer with a diagram. (4 marks)
→ The model shows that crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes before DNA replication. This means that when sister chromatids are formed, they will contain the post-crossing over sequence.
→ In the new model, DNA replication occurs prior to crossing over, where crossing over only occurs when replicated homologous chromosomes line up in tetrads, and only 2 homologous pairs exchange information.
→ In this way, the new model will produce 4 unique chromatids while the old model will produce only 2. Therefore new model produces a wider range of genetic variability in offspring.
→ Possible unique chromatids:
→ The model shows that crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes before DNA replication. This means that when sister chromatids are formed, they will contain the post-crossing over sequence.
→ In the new model, DNA replication occurs prior to crossing over, where crossing over only occurs when replicated homologous chromosomes line up in tetrads, and only 2 homologous pairs exchange information.
→ In this way, the new model will produce 4 unique chromatids while the old model will produce only 2. Therefore new model produces a wider range of genetic variability in offspring.
→ Possible unique chromatids:
In which of the following do both processes result in genetic variation of offspring?
`C`
By Elimination
→ Cell differentiation is the specialisation of cells into a specific type, e.g. the differentiation of specific plasma B cells. This does not impact the individual’s genome or their offspring (Eliminate B and D).
→ Polypeptide production is a result of the individuals DNA and does not effect their genotype and thus has no effect on offspring (Eliminate A).
`=>C`
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b. Independent Assortment
→ A random alignment of homologous chromosomes takes place during meiosis.
→ The possible number of chromosome combinations is consequently increased.
→ Therefore, the genetic variation of offspring increases.
Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant condition caused by a mutation of a gene on chromosome 4. It causes nerve cells to break down.
Stargardt disease is an autosomal recessive condition caused by a mutation of a different gene on chromosome 4 . It causes damage to the retina.
A patient is heterozygous for both Huntington's (Hh) and Stargardt disease (Rr). His father's extended family has numerous cases of both of these diseases. His mother does not have either disease and is homozygous for both genes.
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→ In the diagram above, the paired homologous chromosomes are incorrectly drawn.
→ Prior to crossing over, each chromosome duplicates forming the sister chromatids with one being maternal and one being paternal.
→ In the model above, they are shown as a mix of both, when in actuality the sister chromatids should be identical.
b. The Effect of Meiosis on Genetic Variation
Independent Assortment
→ when chromosomes are lined up along the cells equator in independent order and orientation to all other chromosomes.
Random Segregation
→ different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes end up in resulting gametes, increasing variability amongst them.
Crossing Over
→ the process of exchanging genetic material between chromatids of homologous chromosomes during Meiosis I, leading to unique combinations of alleles on each chromatid.
→ In the diagram above, the paired homologous chromosomes are incorrectly drawn.
→ Prior to crossing over, each chromosome duplicates forming the sister chromatids with one being maternal and one being paternal.
→ In the model above, they are shown as a mix of both, when in actuality the sister chromatids should be identical.
b. The Effect of Meiosis on Genetic Variation
Independent Assortment
→ when chromosomes are lined up along the cells equator in independent order and orientation to all other chromosomes.
Random Segregation
→ different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes end up in resulting gametes, increasing variability amongst them.
Crossing Over
→ the process of exchanging genetic material between chromatids of homologous chromosomes during Meiosis I, leading to unique combinations of alleles on each chromatid.
Which diagram correctly models one phase of meiosis in an organism that has six chromosomes in its somatic cells?
`A`
By Elimination:
→ Option D would end up with 12 chromosomes in its somatic cells (Eliminate D).
→ Option B and C show meiosis 1, as they are arranged in tetrads. Option C will end up with 12 chromosomes in its somatic cells, while option B is an incorrect model as it does not correctly display homologous pairs arranging in tetrads. (Eliminate B and C).
→ The diagram in option `A` shows metaphase II of meiosis in a cell with 6 chromosomes.
`=>A`