QUESTION 4 A mating between a male donkey (2n 62) and a female horse (2n 64) pro
ID: 255618 • Letter: Q
Question
QUESTION 4 A mating between a male donkey (2n 62) and a female horse (2n 64) produces sterile mules. Why are mules sterile? Mules have a n1 + n2-63 chromosome set that is unable to proceed through meiosis normall. Nondisjunction of a single chromosomes produces the aneuploid hybrid. The polyploid mule has a deficient meiosis because of having an extra set of chromosomes. While the mule has 2n-63 chromosomes, it can still produce viable gametes. However, they produce 4n-126 offspring that are unable to survive. None of the above can explain the sterility of mules.Explanation / Answer
As we recall that during meiosis homologous chromosomes are align together. But in case of mule there is no homologous chromosomes pairs which are grouped together. As a result of it the chromosomes doesn't pair properly in the meiosis and leads to non viable gametes.
So answer is option A.