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Question #45277
The Question
During a cytogenetics experiment, a chemical inhibitor specifically targeting the enzyme 'recombinase' is introduced to a primary spermatocyte just as it enters Prophase I. Assuming the cell bypasses any cell cycle checkpoints and successfully completes meiosis, which of the following represents the most accurate genetic consequence, a scenario that would ultimately reduce the population's evolutionary fitness under the Red Queen Hypothesis?
Options
- A.
Homologous chromosomes will fail to undergo synapsis during the zygotene stage, leading to obligate non-disjunction.
- B.
All genes located on the same chromosome will exhibit complete linkage, yielding zero recombinant types for those specific linkage groups.
- C.
Chiasmata formation will proceed normally during diplotene, but their terminalization will be permanently arrested in diakinesis.
- D.
The independent assortment of non-homologous chromosomes during Metaphase I will be completely abolished.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Pachytene Crossing Over|Recombination Nodules|Genetic Variation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students frequently conflate 'Crossing Over' (intra-chromosomal recombination) with 'Independent Assortment' (inter-chromosomal recombination).
The trap in Option D tests whether the student understands that even if crossing over is completely blocked, independent assortment of different chromosomes still generates some genetic variation.
Option C traps students who memorize 'chiasmata in diplotene' without understanding that chiasmata are strictly the structural consequence of successful pachytene crossing over.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Meiotic Reductional Division |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |