In the following figure, two ways of pairing of two homologous pairs of chromosomes are shown. Which of the following phenomena is expressed?
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Independent assortment occurs because the orientation of homologous pairs at the metaphase plate is random.
This process, along with crossing over, is a primary source of genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms.
The question involves understanding the arrangement and distribution of chromosomes during cell division, specifically meiosis. The image shows two different possibilities of how chromosomes can be organized, leading to different combinations in the gametes.
The figure illustrates the following concept:
In Possibility 1, the arrangement at Metaphase I shows one possible pairing of chromosomes.
In Possibility 2, another arrangement is shown.
Both arrangements lead to different combinations of chromosomes in the resulting gametes (Combination 1, 2, 3, and 4), which highlights the concept of Independent Assortment.
The Law of Independent Assortment, proposed by Gregor Mendel, states that alleles of different genes assort independently of one another during the formation of gametes. This is precisely what's demonstrated in the figure: depending on how chromosomes align during Metaphase I, different assortments occur, leading to genetic variation in the gametes.
Therefore, among the given options, the correct answer is:
Independent assortment of genes
Explanation for ruling out other options:
Linkage of genes: This concept suggests that genes located close together on a chromosome tend to be inherited together, which is not shown in the image.
Multiple alleles: This refers to more than two allele options for a single gene, which is unrelated to chromosome assortment.
Incomplete dominance: This is a form of intermediate inheritance where neither allele is completely dominant, which is unrelated to chromosome arrangement during meiosis.
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