how many combinations are possible in the haploid gametes for a fruit fly which ahs 4 pairs of chromosomes
To determine the number of combinations possible in the haploid gametes of a fruit fly with 4 pairs of chromosomes, we need to consider the concept of independent assortment and calculate the total number of combinations for each pair of chromosomes.
Independent assortment states that during the formation of gametes, the pairs of chromosomes align randomly, independently of one another. This means that each pair of chromosomes can align in different ways, leading to a larger number of possible combinations.
Since the fruit fly has 4 pairs of chromosomes, we will calculate the number of combinations for each pair and then multiply them together to find the total number of combinations.
For each pair of chromosomes, the number of combinations is determined using the formula 2^n, where n is the number of pairs of chromosomes. This formula arises because during the formation of gametes, each chromosome in the pair can independently align in one of two ways.
So, for each pair of chromosomes, there are 2^n = 2^1 = 2 possible combinations.
Since there are 4 pairs of chromosomes, we multiply the number of combinations for each pair together: 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 16.
Therefore, there are 16 possible combinations in the haploid gametes of a fruit fly with 4 pairs of chromosomes.