The diagram represents a change that occurred in a pair of chromosomes during the formation of an egg cell.
The alteration that occurred will most likely be passed on to every cell that develops from the egg cell. Why would this type of alteration result in offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent?
a: It results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.
b: It results in the formation of diploid gametes.
c: It changes the chromosome number of the body cells that develop from the egg cell.***
d: It converts sex cells into body cells.
The correct answer is a: It results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.
During the formation of an egg cell, a process called meiosis occurs, which involves the division of chromosomes and the shuffling of genetic material. One of the main outcomes of meiosis is the recombination of genes, where segments of chromosomes can exchange places, resulting in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.
This alteration is key in producing offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent. Each parent contributes one set of chromosomes to the offspring, and due to the recombination of genes during meiosis, the resulting egg cell (or sperm cell from the other parent) will have a unique combination of genetic material.
When these gametes (sperm and egg cells) fuse during fertilization, they bring together different combinations of genes from each parent, resulting in offspring that have a mixture of traits inherited from both parents. This genetic variation contributes to the diversity seen in offspring and helps drive evolution.
It is important to note that options b, c, and d are not directly related to the formation of an egg cell or the resulting variation in offspring's traits.