Our closest primate relative, the chimpanzee, has a diploid number of 2n =48. For each of the following stages of M phase, identify the number of chromosomes present in each cell.

meiotic metaphase I

Key Concepts

Diploid Number

The diploid number (2n) refers to the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell, which includes pairs of homologous chromosomes. In the case of chimpanzees, the diploid number is 48, meaning there are 24 pairs of chromosomes. This concept is crucial for understanding how chromosomes are distributed during cell division.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells from one diploid cell. It consists of two main stages: meiosis I and meiosis II. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, which is essential for producing gametes with half the original chromosome number.

Meiotic Metaphase I

During meiotic metaphase I, homologous chromosome pairs align at the cell's equatorial plane. At this stage, each pair consists of two chromosomes, and since the diploid number is 48, there are 24 pairs. Therefore, the number of chromosomes present in the cell during meiotic metaphase I is still 48, but they are organized into 24 homologous pairs.