What aspect of chromosome behavior most clearly accounts for Mendel's law of independent assortment?
A)Movement of sister chromatids to opposite poles at anaphase II of meiosis
B)Movement of homologous chromosomes to opposite poles at anaphase I of meiosis
C)Crossing over between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis
D)Replication of chromosomes prior to meiosis
E)Independent alignment of different homologous pairs on the metaphase I spindle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent alignment of different homologous pairs on the metaphase I spindle allows for the random segregation of different alleles during meiosis, which is the basis of Mendel's law of independent assortment. This is because each homologous pair can align independently, and the orientation of the chromosomes is random, resulting in a random assortment of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the gametes. The other choices do not directly relate to the independent assortment of chromosomes and therefore are not the best answers.

What Aspect of Chromosome Behavior Most Clearly Accounts for Mendel's