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Multiple Choice
Which of the following events might result in a human zygote with 45 chromosomes?
A
Independent assortment during metaphase I
B
Synapsis during prophase I
C
Nondisjunction during meiosis
D
Crossing over during prophase I
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the normal chromosome number in humans: Humans typically have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. During fertilization, a zygote is formed with 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent.
Learn about nondisjunction: Nondisjunction is an error in meiosis where chromosomes fail to separate properly during anaphase. This can occur in either meiosis I or meiosis II.
Consider the impact of nondisjunction: If nondisjunction occurs, it can result in gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes. For example, a gamete might have 22 or 24 chromosomes instead of the usual 23.
Analyze the formation of a zygote with 45 chromosomes: If a gamete with 22 chromosomes (due to nondisjunction) fuses with a normal gamete with 23 chromosomes, the resulting zygote will have 45 chromosomes.
Review other events: Independent assortment, synapsis, and crossing over are normal processes in meiosis that do not typically result in an abnormal number of chromosomes in a zygote.