Question

Predict how many genetically different offspring could be produced by outcrossing two 2n=4 individuals?

Answer 1

Answer:

16 genetically different offsprings

Explanation:

The diploid state of this organism has 4 chromosomes, hence, when it undergoes meiosis, it will produce gametes with 2 chromosomes each.

The number of different possible gamete combinations can be got using the formula 2^n, which n is the number of chromosomes in each gamete.

Therefore, 2^2 = 4 possible combinations of gametes.

If one of the individuals will produce 4 possible combinations of gametes, a combination of two of these gametes will result in offsprings with (4)^2 possible combinations of different offsprings. i.e. 16 possible genetically different offsprings.