If an organism has five pairs of chromosomes, how many chromosomal combinations are possible at metaphase I of meiosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At metaphase I of meiosis, homologous pairs of chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell, and the maternal and paternal chromosomes can randomly assort. For an organism with five pairs of chromosomes, there are two possible options for each pair: the maternal chromosome or the paternal chromosome can end up in a given gamete. Therefore, there are 2^5 possible chromosomal combinations, or 32. Choice D is the only option that includes 2 in the answer, which matches this calculation.

If an Organism Has Five Pairs of Chromosomes, How Many