Multiple Choice
In the context of genetic inheritance, what is a specialized class that inherits characteristics from a more general class called?
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2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance
Inheritance in Diploids and Haploids
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What would be the consequence if human gametes were diploid instead of haploid?
A
Gametes would be unable to undergo fertilization.
B
Offspring would have double the normal chromosome number, leading to polyploidy.
C
Offspring would have half the normal chromosome number.
D
There would be no effect on chromosome number in offspring.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that human somatic cells are diploid (2n), meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, totaling 46 chromosomes.
Understand that human gametes (sperm and egg) are normally haploid (n), containing only one set of chromosomes (23 chromosomes), so that upon fertilization, the diploid number is restored.
Consider what happens if gametes were diploid instead of haploid: each gamete would carry 46 chromosomes instead of 23.
When two diploid gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote would have 2n + 2n = 4n chromosomes, which is double the normal diploid number, a condition known as polyploidy.
Recognize that polyploidy in humans is generally not viable and would disrupt normal development, so the consequence is offspring with double the normal chromosome number, leading to polyploidy.
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