NEETZoologyPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation
A male grasshopper has a total of 23 chromosomes in its somatic cells. What is the total number of chromosomes in the somatic cells of a female grasshopper of the same species, and what term describes her gamete production with respect to sex chromosomes?
Options
- A22 and heterogametic
- B24 and heterogametic
- C23 and homogametic
- D24 and homogametic
Correct answer
D. 24 and homogametic
Step-by-step solution
Grasshoppers exhibit the XX-XO type of sex determination. Males have only one X chromosome besides the autosomes (AA + XO). If a male has 23 chromosomes, the autosome number is 22 (22 + 1 = 23). Females have a pair of X chromosomes besides the autosomes (AA + XX). Therefore, the female will have 22 + 2 = 24 chromosomes. Since females produce only one type of egg (all containing an X chromosome), they are termed homogametic. Answer: 24 and homogametic