Question

question 7 of 10
how does independent assortment occur during meiosis?
a. during telophase i, nuclear membranes form randomly around chromosomes so that each daughter cell has a unique combination of genes.
b. during prophase i, some chromosomes are replicated more often than others, so gametes might receive more copies of certain genes.
c. during interphase, extra copies of chromosomes are removed so that each gamete receives a random assortment of chromosomes.
d. during metaphase i, chromosome tetrads line up randomly so that when they are pulled apart, they separate in different combinations.

Explanation:

Independent assortment occurs in metaphase I of meiosis. Chromosome tetrads (homologous chromosome pairs) line up randomly at the metaphase plate. When they are pulled apart (anaphase I), the separation is random. This random alignment and separation lead to different combinations of chromosomes in the resulting gametes. Option A is incorrect as nuclear membrane formation (telophase I) is not related to independent assortment. Option B is wrong because chromosome replication (prophase I - actually replication occurs in interphase before meiosis) is not about independent assortment. Option C is incorrect as interphase is for growth and replication, not for removing extra chromosome copies for independent assortment.

Answer:

D. During metaphase I, chromosome tetrads line up randomly so that when they are pulled apart, they separate in different combinations.