Here's the explanation:
- Each pair of chromosomes exists as a homologous pair, consisting of one chromosome from each parent.
- Without crossing over, each gamete will receive only one chromosome from each homologous pair.
- Since there are five pairs of chromosomes, there are 2 possibilities for each pair: either the chromosome from the mother or the chromosome from the father can be included in the gamete.
Calculating the total number of possible gametes:
- For 1 pair of chromosomes: 2 possibilities
- For 2 pairs of chromosomes: 2 possibilities x 2 possibilities = 4 possibilities
- For 3 pairs of chromosomes: 4 possibilities x 2 possibilities = 8 possibilities
- For 4 pairs of chromosomes: 8 possibilities x 2 possibilities = 16 possibilities
- For 5 pairs of chromosomes: 16 possibilities x 2 possibilities = 32 possibilities
Therefore, without crossing over, an organism with five pairs of chromosomes could produce a total of 32 different gametes.
