Question

the diagram below represents a change that occurred in a pair of chromosomes during the formation of an egg cell. the alterations that occurred will most likely be passed down to every cell that develops from the egg cell. why would this type of alteration result in offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent?

it results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.

it changes the chromosome number of the body cells that develop from the egg cell.

it converts sex cells into body cells.

it results in the formation of diploid gametes.

Explanation:

The diagram shows crossing - over during meiosis. Crossing - over leads to new combinations of genes on chromosomes. Gene combinations determine traits. So, new gene combinations (from crossing - over) result in offspring with trait combinations different from parents.

• Option 1: Crossing - over (as shown in the diagram) exchanges genetic material between homologous chromosomes. This creates new gene combinations on each chromosome. Since genes code for traits, new gene combinations lead to new trait combinations in offspring.
• Option 2: Crossing - over does not change the chromosome number of cells formed from the egg cell. Chromosome number is determined by processes like meiosis (which reduces chromosome number by half in gametes) and fertilization (which restores diploid number).
• Option 3: Crossing - over occurs in germ cells (cells that give rise to gametes) during meiosis. It does not convert body cells to germ cells.
• Option 4: Gametes are haploid. Crossing - over occurs during meiosis (which produces haploid gametes), but it does not make gametes diploid.

Answer:

It results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.