1. Describe how genetic material is distributed via reproductive processes.
a. In terms of alleles, how is the result of sexual reproduction different from the result of asexual reproduction? (1 point)
b. Why do most organisms that reproduce sexually contain an even number of chromosomes? Hint: Think about the chromosomes contained in diploid cells. (1 point)
c. A cucumber plant has 14 chromosomes in each of its somatic cells. Describe how meiosis leads to a reduced number of chromosomes in a cucumber plant's gametes. How many chromosomes does a cucumber gamete contain? (2 points)
2. Describe sources of genetic variation in offspring.
a. How does independent assortment produce genetic variation in offspring? Hint: Think about how chromosomes line up. (2 points)
b. How does the number of chromosomes in an organism affect the number of possible combinations resulting from independent assortment? (1 point)
c. Describe what occurs during crossing over and how it produces genetic variation. Draw a model to support your answer. Your model should include two chromosomes — one with the alleles A, E, and G, and the other with the alleles a, e, and g. (4 points)
