Meiosis I Cell Division: Understanding Allele Distribution in Daughter Cells"

[Soaring Crane]

Homework Statement

If we follow meiosis in a diploid heterozygote, the two alleles are, following the first cell division,

a. no longer together in one cell
b. together on a chromatid
c. present only as mutants
d. blended into a new mix
e. chromatids

Homework Equations

Not applicable?

The Attempt at a Solution

Is the correct choice a. no longer together in one cell? For example, let’s say there is a chromosome with B/B on it. (Each B is on a chromatid). Another chromosome has b/b (each b is on separate chromatid) on it. This homologous pairs lines up on the equatorial plate. After anaphase one daughter cell will house chromosome b/b and the other will house B/B?

Homework Statement

If a pair of chromosomes at metaphase I contain the alleles A and A in one chromosome and a and a in the other chromosome, the first daughter cells will contain

a. either a and a or A and A
b. either A and a or a and A
c. A and a and A and a
d. AB, Ab, aB, and ab
e. a and z

Homework Equations

Not applicable?

The Attempt at a Solution

Is the correct answer a. either a and a or A and A? At the end of the first division in telophase, one daughter cell will have a chromosome with A/A on it and the other daughter cell will have a chromosome with a/a on it?

Thanks.

 

[nate808]

I would like to provide some clarification and additional information on the topic of meiosis and allele segregation.

Firstly, it is important to note that the correct answer for the first question is a. no longer together in one cell. This is because during meiosis, the homologous chromosomes (each containing one allele) separate and end up in different daughter cells. This means that the two alleles are no longer together in one cell, but rather each cell will have only one allele from the original pair.

In regards to the second question, the correct answer is b. either A and a or a and A. This is because during meiosis, the homologous chromosomes can randomly line up on the equatorial plate. This means that either the A allele or the a allele can end up in the same daughter cell. So, it is possible for both daughter cells to have the same allele (either A/A or a/a) or for them to have different alleles (A/a or a/A).

I hope this helps clarify any confusion and provides a better understanding of meiosis and allele segregation. As always, if you have any further questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Blueshift5]

Yes, you are correct. The correct answer is a. either a and a or A and A. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in two daughter cells that each contain one of the homologous chromosomes. In this scenario, one daughter cell will receive the chromosome with the A allele while the other will receive the chromosome with the a allele. This is known as independent assortment and is one of the key mechanisms for generating genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.