Independent Assortment in Meiosis I — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptDuring Anaphase of meiosis I, the two chromosome pairs can align at the metaphase plate independently of each other. To understand this, compare the chromosomes of four different colour in the left and right columns. In the left column (Possibility I) orange and green is segregating together. But in the right hand column (Possibility II) the orange chromosome is segregating with the red chromosomes.
Arrange the following events that occur during meiosis to contribute to genetic variation and support Mendelian principles, in the correct chronological sequence, starting from the earliest event: A. Formation of tetrads by homologous chromosome pairing. B. Separation of homologous chromosomes during anaphase I. C. Random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs at the metaphase I plate. D. Segregation of sister chromatids to opposite poles during anaphase II. E. Formation of haploid gametes, each with one allele from each gene pair. F. Recombination between non-sister chromatids.
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Correct answer: A — A → F → C → B → D → E
This question asks for the chronological sequence of meiotic events that underpin genetic variation and Mendelian inheritance. 1. **A. Formation of tetrads by homologous chromosome pairing:** This occurs during Prophase I, where homologous chromosomes align and pair up. This is the earliest event listed. 2. **F. Recombination between non-sister chromatids:** Crossing over (recombination) occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during Prophase I, after the formation of tetrads. 3. **C. Random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs at the metaphase I plate:** During Metaphase I, homologous pairs (tetrads) align randomly at the metaphase plate. This random alignment is the cytological basis for Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment, as illustrated in Figure 4.9. 4. **B. Separation of homologous chromosomes during anaphase I:** In Anaphase I, homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles. This physical separation is the cytological basis for Mendel's Law of Segregation. 5. **D. Segregation of sister chromatids to opposite poles during anaphase II:** In Anaphase II, sister chromatids separate, similar to mitosis, completing the reductional division. 6. **E. Formation of haploid gametes, each with one allele from each gene pair:** Following Telophase II and cytokinesis, four haploid gametes are formed, each containing a unique combination of alleles due to independent assortment and recombination. Thus, the correct sequence is A → F → C → B → D → E.
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