Question

while studying a newly discovered eukaryote, you notice that the organism is diploid and has a total of 8 chromosomes. at the end of s phase, how many homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids would you expect to find in the organism? correct answer(s) 4 homologous chromosome pairs 16 sister chromatids in total 8 homologous chromosome pairs 8 sister chromatids in total incorrect answer(s)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall diploid cell concept

A diploid cell has two sets of chromosomes. Given 8 total chromosomes, the number of homologous chromosome pairs is $\frac{8}{2}=4$ since homologous chromosomes come in pairs in a diploid cell.

Step2: Understand S - phase replication

During S - phase, DNA replication occurs. Each chromosome replicates to form two sister chromatids. Since there are 8 chromosomes initially, after S - phase, the number of sister chromatids is $8\times2 = 16$.

Answer:

4 homologous chromosome pairs, 16 sister chromatids in total