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Multiple Choice
In mammals, in which parent could a chromosomal rearrangement result in an X chromosome carrying two different fur color alleles?
A
The mother, due to X chromosome pairing and possible unequal crossing over during oogenesis
B
Neither parent, as X chromosomes cannot carry more than one fur color allele
C
The father, because he has only one X chromosome and can undergo X-X recombination
D
Both parents equally, since both can have two X chromosomes recombine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that in mammals, females have two X chromosomes (XX) while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). This difference is crucial for how chromosomal rearrangements can occur on the X chromosome.
Recognize that chromosomal rearrangements such as unequal crossing over can happen during meiosis, the process that produces gametes (eggs and sperm). In females, meiosis occurs during oogenesis, where the two X chromosomes can pair and potentially exchange genetic material.
Note that in males, since there is only one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, there is no homologous X chromosome to pair with during meiosis, so X-X recombination cannot occur in spermatogenesis.
Conclude that only the mother can produce an X chromosome carrying two different alleles for fur color due to the possibility of unequal crossing over between her two X chromosomes during oogenesis.
Therefore, the key concept is that the presence of two X chromosomes in females allows for recombination events that can create novel allele combinations on a single X chromosome, which is not possible in males.