Chapter 10, Problem 26A

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

Answer to Problem 26A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option C. 64

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 gametes produced by random lining of pairs are $2^6=64$

Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. 32- 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 gametes are $2^6=64$

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option B.48- 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 gametes are $2^6=64$

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option D. 120- 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 gametes are $2^6=64$

Hence this is not the correct option.