AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -If nondisjunction occurs during Meiosis I in humans, two gametes with extra chromosomes will be produced (24 chromosomes each, or n+1) and two gametes lacking a chromosome will be produced (22 chromosomes each, n-1).

Detailed explanation-2: -When a haploid gamete does not receive a chromosome during meiosis as a result of nondisjunction, it combines with another gamete to form a monosomic zygote. When a gamete receives a complete homologous chromosome pair as a result of nondisjunction, it combines with another gamete to form a trisomic zygote.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nondisjunction can occur during either meiosis I or II, with different results (Figure 7.8). If homologous chromosomes fail to separate during meiosis I, the result is two gametes that lack that chromosome and two gametes with two copies of the chromosome.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nondisjunction causes abnormal number chromosomes in all the cells called aneuploidy or in some cells called mosaicism. Some of the important examples are: Down’s syndrome – Trisomy of autosomes, i.e. chromosome 21. It contains one extra chromosome 21.

Detailed explanation-5: -But if meiosis doesn’t happen normally, a baby may have an extra chromosome (trisomy), or have a missing chromosome (monosomy). These problems can cause pregnancy loss. Or they can cause health problems in a child. A woman age 35 years or older is at higher risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.