Question

The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A:
The diagram shows four possible genetic arrangements of a cell that contains two chromosomes during metaphase.

Two diagrams showing metaphase 1, metaphase 2, and the four gametes produced. In the left diagram, a cell has two blue diploid chromosomes and two red diploid chromosomes. The cell splits into two cells; one contains two blue diploid chromosomes, and the other contains two red diploid chromosomes. The cell with blue chromosomes further divides during metaphase 2 and creates two more cells that each contain two blue haploid chromosomes, labeled genetic arrangement 1. The cell with red chromosomes also further divides and creates two cells that each contain two red haploid chromosomes, labeled genetic arrangement 2. The second diagram has a cell containing two red and two blue diploid chromosomes. The cell produces two new cells, each containing one red and one blue diploid chromosome. During metaphase 2, these two cells divide into four cells that each contain one blue and one red haploid chromosome, labeled genetic arrangement 3 and genetic arrangement 4.

What is the diagram most likely demonstrating?

A.
Mutation

B.
Crossing over

C.
Random fertilization

D.
Independent assortment

Multiple Choice Question
Part B:
Which statement best supports the choice made in Part A?

A.
The diagram shows four daughter gametes that have exchanged genetic information between chromatids.

B.
The diagram shows four unique gametes that are the result of receiving one random allele from each parent.

C.
The diagram shows four unique gametes that are the result of two chromosomes separating in different ways.

D.
The diagram shows four daughter gametes that incorrectly contain fewer chromosomes than the parent cells.

Answer 1

Part A: D. Independent assortment

Part B: C. The diagram shows four unique gametes that are the result of two chromosomes separating in different ways.

Explanation (brief): The drawings illustrate different ways homologous chromosome pairs can line up and segregate at metaphase I, producing different combinations of chromosomes in the gametes — classic independent assortment. It does not show chromatid exchange (crossing over) or fertilization.