The random alignment of maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes during metaphase I is one of the ways genetic variability among gametes comes about. For example, it is possible for an organism with 4 pairs of homologous chromosomes to produce gametes with up to 16 different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes (2⁴ = 16). In the case of humans with 23 pairs of chromosomes, there are over 8 million possible combinations. How many possible combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes are possible in the gametes of an organism with 8 chromosomes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of possible combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the gametes of an organism with 8 chromosomes can be calculated as 2^n, where n is the number of chromosome pairs. In this case, there are 4 pairs of chromosomes, which is a total of 8 chromosomes, so the number of possible combinations is 2^4 = 16 x 16 = 256. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C.

The Random Alignment of Maternal and Paternal Homologous Chromosomes During