Chapter 10, Problem 25A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The main advantage of sexual reproduction is that it produces genetic variation in species. Genetic variation helps species survive better in adverse conditions. Both crossing over and independent assortment contribute to the amount of genetic recombination in a particular species.

Answer to Problem 25A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option C. 4096

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

OptionC. 4096−The possible combinations of genes due to independent assortment can be calculated using the formula 2ⁿ, where n is the number of chromosomes pairs.

The housefly has six pairs of chromosomes. So $\text{n=6}$

The possible combinations of genes are $2^6=64$

Since any possible male gamete can fertilize any possible female gamete, the number of possible combinations of fertilized eggs= $64\times 64=4096$

Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. 256- The possible combinations of genes due to independent assortment can be calculated using the formula 2ⁿ, where n is the number of chromosomes pairs.

The housefly has six pairs of chromosomes. So $\text{n=6}$

The possible combinations of genes are $2^6=64$

Since any possible male gamete can fertilize any possible female gamete, the number of possible combinations of fertilized eggs= $64\times 64=4096$

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option B.1024- The possible combinations of genes due to independent assortment can be calculated using the formula 2ⁿ, where n is the number of chromosomes pairs.

The housefly has six pairs of chromosomes. So $\text{n=6}$

The possible combinations of genes are $2^6=64$

Since any possible male gamete can fertilize any possible female gamete, the number of possible combinations of fertilized eggs= $64\times 64=4096$

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option D. 16,384- The possible combinations of genes due to independent assortment can be calculated using the formula 2ⁿ, where n is the number of chromosomes pairs.

The housefly has six pairs of chromosomes. So $\text{n=6}$

The possible combinations of genes are $2^6=64$

Since any possible male gamete can fertilize any possible female gamete, the number of possible combinations of fertilized eggs= $64\times 64=4096$

Hence this is not the correct option.