The individual with genotype AaBbCCDdEE can make many kinds of gametes. Which of the following is the major reason?
A) segregation of maternal and paternal alleles
B) recurrent mutations forming new alleles
C) crossing over during prophase I
D) different possible alignments of chromosomes
E) the tendency for dominant alleles to segregate together

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The individual with genotype AaBbCCDdEE can make many kinds of gametes due to different possible alignments of chromosomes during meiosis. This recombination of chromosomes during meiosis increases genetic diversity in gametes and offspring. This process is called independent assortment. Segregation of maternal and paternal alleles, recurrent mutations, crossing over during prophase I, and the tendency for dominant alleles to segregate together can also contribute to genetic diversity, but they are not the major reasons why this individual can make many kinds of gametes.

The Individual with Genotype AaBbCCDdEE Can Make Many Kinds of Gametes