AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When cells divide during meiosis, homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed to daughter cells, and different chromosomes segregate independently of each other. This called is called independent assortment. It results in gametes that have unique combinations of chromosomes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Independent assortment is the process where the chromosomes move randomly to separate poles during meiosis. A gamete will end up with 23 chromosomes after meiosis, but independent assortment means that each gamete will have 1 of many different combinations of chromosomes.

Detailed explanation-3: -The stage of meiosis where independent assortment occurs is metaphase I. Metaphase I is the first metaphase that occurs in meiosis where the tetrads of homologous chromosomes align at the middle of the cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -Metaphase I For example, if the two homologous members of chromosome 1 are labeled a and b, then the chromosomes could line up a-b, or b-a. This is important in determining the genes carried by a gamete, as each will only receive one of the two homologous chromosomes. This is called Independent Assortment.

Detailed explanation-5: -Independent Inheritance of Sex & Crest That means each parent can make gametes with 4 possible sex chromosome / crest allele combinations. The Punnett square shows what happens when these gametes get together to make offspring. As you can see, there are 16 possible combinations.