In: Biology
Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes and like all mammals are diploid organisms that reproduce sexually. All dogs belong to the same species but there are hundreds of different breeds (varieties or sub-species). Sexual reproduction offers advantages over simple binary fission at increasing genetic diversity in populations. Explain the role of meiosis in increasing genetic diversity
During fertilisation, each parent donate a gamete to form a zygote in sexual reproduction. Each gamete has different sets of codes and contributes to the new set of genes in the offspring.
Genetic diversity happens in meiosis in 2 different stages
1. Recombination during prophase 1
2. Independent assortment during anaphase 1
In prophase 1 homologous chromosomes from each parent pair with each other. Crossing over happens when the paired chromosomes breaks and rejoins. This homologous recombination will result in a new set of genes shared by the parents.
During anaphase 1, the chromosomes move towards the pole and separate randomly. A gamete has 39 chromosomes (in the dogs) after telophase of meiosis. This shuffling will give rise to a new set of chromosomes with different characteristics in the off spring.