Question

a model of segregation of alleles during meiosis is shown here. a student hypothesizes that failure for chromosomes to segregate during meiosis might impact the phenotype of the resulting offspring, if those gametes are fertilized.what question is most relevant for the student to ask about the outcome of a lack of segregation of chromosomes?a if a gamete forms without segregation of chromosomes, will all offspring be codominant?b if a gamete forms without segregation of chromosomes, will a triploid offspring survive?c if a gamete forms without segregation of chromosomes, will the cell undergo meiosis again?d if a gamete forms without segregation of chromosomes, will genetically identical offspring be formed?

Explanation:

The student's focus is on how failed chromosome segregation during meiosis (leading to gametes with extra chromosomes) impacts offspring phenotype after fertilization.

• Option A is too broad and does not target a specific phenotypic/outcome question.
• Option B is incorrect because codominance refers to allele expression, not chromosome number abnormalities from failed segregation.
• Option C directly addresses a critical phenotypic/survival outcome: if a gamete with an extra chromosome (from failed segregation) fuses with a normal gamete, it creates a triploid offspring, and asking about survival is relevant to phenotypic/viability impacts.
• Option D is irrelevant, as the question concerns fertilized offspring, not meiosis of the gamete itself.

Answer:

C. If a gamete forms without segregation of chromosomes, will a triploid offspring survive?