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Scientists have tried to achieve a viable embryo by fusing two ova (eggs) from the same female - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 29 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 29
Scientists have tried to achieve a viable embryo by fusing two ova (eggs) from the same female. Explain whether the offspring produced using this process would be a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists have tried to achieve a viable embryo by fusing two ova (eggs) from the same female - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 29 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain whether the offspring produced would be a clone of the female
Answer
The offspring produced from fusing two ova from the same female would not be a clone of the female. Although the two ova are genetically similar, the fusion process does not create a completely identical genetic replica of the female.
In sexual reproduction, the fusion of gametes leads to genetic variation due to the processes of meiosis and fertilization. Each ovum contains a unique combination of chromosomes due to independent assortment and crossing over during meiosis. This genetic variability occurs because homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA, resulting in independent assortment of alleles.
Hence, when two ova from the same female combine, the nuclear material from both ova is involved, but they do not produce a genetically identical clone. Instead, they create a unique genetic combination that may include variability in the alleles expressed, making the offspring genetically distinct from the mother.
Step 2
Use your knowledge of gamete formation
Answer
Gametes are produced through the process of meiosis, where diploid cells undergo two rounds of division to produce haploid cells. During this process, crossing over occurs, allowing segments of maternal and paternal chromosomes to exchange places, providing genetic diversity.
In this case, even though the two ova come from the same female, they each originated from separate meiotic events. The result is that they will carry different combinations of genetic information. When these two genetically unique ova fuse, the resultant embryo will have a new combination of genetic information that is not a clone of the female.
Step 3
Discuss characteristics of sexual reproduction
Answer
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of two gametes, which brings together genetic material from two parents. This process increases genetic diversity and contributes to variations in traits within a population. The unique combination formed during fertilization incorporates variability from both parents, further affirming that the offspring will not be an exact genetic copy of the mother.
Therefore, the offspring resulting from the fusion of two ova from the same female will exhibit genetic variation and will not be a clone.