Question

multiple choice 1 point humans have a diploid number (2n) of 46. which of the following statements best predicts the consequence if meiosis did not occur during gametogenesis? the gametes would get larger from one generation to the next. the chromosome number would double with each generation. the chromosome number would triple with each generation. the chromosome number would be halved with each generation.

Explanation:

Meiosis is the process that reduces the chromosome number by half to form haploid gametes (n). In normal sexual reproduction, when two gametes (each n) fuse during fertilization, the zygote has the diploid number (2n). If meiosis does not occur during gametogenesis, gametes will have the diploid number (2n) instead of haploid (n). When these diploid gametes fuse, the resulting zygote will have 2n + 2n = 4n chromosomes. In the next generation, when those organisms produce gametes (without meiosis, so gametes are 4n), and they fuse, the chromosome number becomes 8n, and so on. Thus, the chromosome number (and the size of the genome in gametes) would double with each generation.

• Option 1: Gametes getting "larger" is not accurate; the chromosome number (genetic material amount) is the key, not physical size.
• Option 3: Tripling is incorrect as the fusion of two diploid gametes (2n + 2n) gives 4n, not 3n.
• Option 4: Halving would happen if meiosis occurred (reducing 2n to n), but the question is about meiosis not occurring, so this is the opposite.

Answer:

The chromosome number would double with each generation.