Name: Classification of Organisms
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min
Description: The technique of classifying organisms is known as taxonomy. Scientists have classified living organisms into different kingdoms, phyla, etc. Learn more

Question

How is the equal genetic contribution of male and female parents ensured in the progeny?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes through fertilisation to produce the zygote. Male gamete or sperm and female gamete or egg contain only one set of chromosomes, that is, they are haploid. So, a sperm has 23 chromosomes while an egg also has 23 chromosomes. When they fuse during fertilization, the zygote formed receives two sets of chromosomes thereby maintaining equal genetic contribution from both the parents.

Thus, the zygote produced contains 23 pairs of chromosomes or 46 chromosomes. It undergoes mitotic divisions to eventually develop a diploid individual.

How is the equal genetic contribution of male and female parents ensured in the progeny?

Important Questions on Heredity and Evolution

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