The diploid number of chromosomes in a certain animal is 8 (2n = 8). How do the four pairs of homologous chromosomes align and separate during meiosis?

• A. All of the maternal chromosomes always move to one pole, and all the paternal chromosomes always move to the other pole.
• B. All 16 chromatids move together.
• C. Exactly two maternal and two paternal chromosomes always move to each of the two poles.
• D. The first to move influences all the others.
• E. They align and assort independently to form any of 16 different combinations.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a process that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells from one diploid cell. In this case, the diploid number is 8, meaning there are 4 pairs of homologous chromosomes.
2. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and align along the metaphase plate. This alignment is random, meaning that the maternal and paternal chromosomes can line up on either side of the plate.
3. The principle of independent assortment states that the orientation of each pair of homologous chromosomes is independent of the others. This means that each pair can align in two different ways, leading to a variety of combinations.
4. After alignment, the homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell. This separation is random and independent for each pair, contributing to genetic diversity.
5. Calculate the number of possible combinations by using the formula 2^n, where n is the number of homologous pairs. In this case, n = 4, so there are 2^4 = 16 different combinations of chromosomes that can result from meiosis.