Question

if mendel’s laws of segregation and independent assortment did not occur correctly in meiosis of a human cell, which statements could apply to the outcome? (choose 3)
a the resulting gametes could have too many chromosomes.
b offspring produced by the affected gametes would be more viable with increased chromosomes numbers.
c the resulting gametes could have too few chromosomes.
d fertilization of the affected gametes could result in an individual with a trisomy condition.
e cancer of the reproductive organs would likely occur.

Explanation:

• Option A: If Mendel's laws (segregation/independent assortment) fail in meiosis, chromosomes may not separate properly (nondisjunction), leading to gametes with extra chromosomes.
• Option B: Increased chromosome numbers (aneuploidy) usually reduces viability, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: Nondisjunction can also cause gametes to have too few chromosomes (missing a chromosome).
• Option D: Fertilizing a gamete with an extra chromosome (e.g., n+1) with a normal gamete (n) can result in a zygote with 2n+1 (trisomy), like Down syndrome.
• Option E: Meiosis errors don’t directly cause reproductive organ cancer; cancer involves uncontrolled cell division (mitosis - related mutations), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. The resulting gametes could have too many chromosomes, C. The resulting gametes could have too few chromosomes, D. Fertilization of the affected gametes could result in an individual with a trisomy condition