Explain how the behavior of chromosome pairs during meiosis is related to the segregation of alleles?

Answer 1

Homologous chromosomes undergo two divisions in meiosis. In the first, meiosis I, the chromosomes are pulled apart as spindle fibers form and a kinetochore drives each half of each pair to opposite sides of the cell. The cell becomes two. In meisosis II, each cell again becomes two. This time, the individual chromosomes (X-shaped) are split into sister chromatids (bow tie-shaped).

Each homologous chromosome pair becomes four chromosome halves (which later replicate back into the X-shape). Two of the four cells will receive the identical chromatids of the mother. The other two will receive the identical halves inherited from the father. Thus, the alleles have been segregated.

Answer 2

The steps in meiosis involve random chromosome segregation, a process that accounts for the probability that a particular allele will be packaged in any given gamete. This process allows for genetic predictions based on laws of probability that pertains to genetic sortings. Students can create a genetic chart and mark alter¬nate traits on chromosomes, one expression coming from the mother and another expression coming from the father. Students can be shown that partitions of the chromosomes are controlled by chance (are random) and that separation (segrega¬tion) of chromosomes during karyokinesis (division of the nucleus) leads to the random sequestering of different combinations of chromosomes.

Answer 3

The chromosome pairs split during meiosis which allows the alleles to segregate independently.

Answer 4

According to mendel's law of segregation, what happens to chromosomes during meiosis is that, allele pairs do separate leaving each and every cell with a single allele for each trait.