Question

An organism has haploid chromosome number 7. The probability that a sperm produced by it will contain all the 7 chromosomes whose centromeres were derived from the maternal homologue is:

• A. (1/2)^1
• B. (1/2)^3
• C. (1/2)^5
• D. (1/2)^7

Hint:

Independent assortment:
- Each chromosome pair segregates independently.
- Probability for a specific gamete to receive all maternal chromosomes = (1/2)^n.
- n = haploid chromosome number.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of independent assortment of chromosomes during gamete formation.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
During meiosis, each chromosome pair aligns independently.
The probability that a specific chromosome from a homologous pair goes to a particular gamete is 1/2.
For n chromosomes, the probability is (1/2)^n.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Haploid chromosome number (n) = 7.
For each chromosome, the probability that the sperm receives the maternal homologue is 1/2.
Since there are 7 chromosomes, the probability that all 7 chromosomes are derived from the maternal homologue is:
\[ (1/2)^7 = 1/128. \] Thus, the probability is (1/2)^7.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Thus, the probability is (1/2)^7, which corresponds to option (D).
[0.5cm]