Question

a) Why do species that reproduce sexually have more genetic variation than species that reproduce asexually?

b) Why is it difficult to use genetics to predict exactly how tall someone will be?

c) Many prokaryotes reproduce asexually using binary fission. Why is it impossible for a prokaryote to use the process of meiosis for reproduction?

d) Monosomy is a genetic disorder. In this disorder, a person receives one gamete that has is missing a chromosome. This gives the person one less chromosome than usual. Explain how an error in the process of meiosis could result in this disorder. (Hint: Think about what happens to the sister chromatids.)

e) Explain how testing a codominant trait in pea plants would have made it more difficult for Mendel to interpret his results.

Answer 1

ANSWER :

a) The sexual reproduction leads to more genetic variations in species than who reproduce asexually since, due to recombination of genetic traits of both the parents arise new phenotypic and genotypic characters in the offsprings.

b) Via the use of genetics we can identify the genotypic make up of any organisms and help to find the probability of tall & dwarf offsprings but cannot expect about the actual measure of tallness.

c) Prokaryotic organisms cannot use the process of meiosis during asexual reproduction since, meiosis is required to produce haploid gametes in sexual reproduction (biparental).

d) Monosomy type genetic disorder (Turner's syndrome) is a chromosomal abnormality which caused when sister chromatids of homologous pair unable to separate during anaphase II of meiosis. Hence, absence of one chromosome in pair of allosomes leads to this disease (XO).