Self Assessment Answer # 1
for Lesson 5

by Dr Jamie Love © 2002 - 2005
Genetics Course

During metaphase I the homologous pairs of chromosome are paired up as tetrads along the metaphase plate. At anaphase I they separate independently of each other so either member of each pair can end up going to either pole. That can generate many different combinations of chromosomes at each pole and thus produce many different combinations of gametes.
Each gamete will have the proper number of chromosomes and one of each type (#1, #2, #3, etc.).
It is random whether each will be maternal or paternal.

During prophase I the homologs, which are difficult to see at this stage, exchange chromatid pieces amongst themselves. Each of these exchanges is a crossing over event and allows the sequence of genetic materials along a chromosome to be exchanged between the M and P chromosomes. This is kind of like the randomness that is produced at anaphase I but here it is occurring within each pair of homologous chromosomes.
By late prophase we can see that these areas of exchange as chiasmata.

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