The A and B genes are on nonhomologous chromosomes. A zygote is formed by the fusion of a sperm with the genotype AB and an egg
with the genotype ab. The zygote develops into a male. Which of the following are genotypes of sperm that could be produced by this male? AB and ab only
AB, ab, Ab and aB only
AB only
ab aB and Ab only
The zygote has the genotype <em>AaBb </em>because it was formed by the fusion of a sperm cell <em>AB</em> and an egg <em>ab</em>.
During meiosis the diploid <em>AaBb</em> germ cell will reduce its chromosome number by half, producing a total of 4 haploid daughter cells (the gametes, in males the sperm cells) with just one allele per gene. The genes <em>A </em>and <em>B</em> are on different chromosomes, so they assort independently, and 4 types of gametes can therefore be produced: <em>AB, Ab, aB </em>and <em>ab</em>.