If a diploid cell contains six chromosomes, during metaphase-I _____ p...
Possible Random Arrangement of Homologous Chromosomes during Metaphase-I in a Diploid Cell with Six Chromosomes
Explanation:
During meiosis, the homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic information through crossing over. This results in the formation of different combinations of alleles on the chromosomes. During metaphase-I, the homologous chromosomes align at the equator of the cell and can arrange in different ways, leading to the formation of gametes with different genetic information.
Possible Random Arrangements:
There are different ways in which the homologous chromosomes can align during metaphase-I in a diploid cell with six chromosomes. Each chromosome can pair up with its homologous partner, leading to three pairs of chromosomes. The possible random arrangements are:
- Chromosome 1, 2, 3 on one side and chromosome 4, 5, 6 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 2, 4 on one side and chromosome 3, 5, 6 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 2, 5 on one side and chromosome 3, 4, 6 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 2, 6 on one side and chromosome 3, 4, 5 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 3, 4 on one side and chromosome 2, 5, 6 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 3, 5 on one side and chromosome 2, 4, 6 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 3, 6 on one side and chromosome 2, 4, 5 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 4, 5 on one side and chromosome 2, 3, 6 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 4, 6 on one side and chromosome 2, 3, 5 on the other side
- Chromosome 1, 5, 6 on one side and chromosome 2, 3, 4 on the other side
Total Possible Arrangements:
There are 10 possible arrangements of homologous chromosomes during metaphase-I in a diploid cell with six chromosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is six, which is the number of pairs of homologous chromosomes in the cell. Each pair can align in two different ways, leading to a total of 2^3 = 8 possible arrangements. However, since the two sides of the cell are symmetrical, two of the arrangements are identical, resulting in a total of 8 - 2 = 6 possible arrangements.