If an organism has a diploid number of 6 chromosomes, how many different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes are possible in its gametes?

A. 8

B. 12

C. 3

D. 16

E. 6

A. 8

Explanation:

A gamete is always haploid in nature and carries only one chromosome from a homologous pair. The segregation of maternal and paternal chromosomes to gametes is a purely random event. According to the given information, the diploid chromosome number in the cells of the organism is 6. This means it has a total of 3 pairs of homologous chromosomes.

Each of the gametes of the organism would have total 3 chromosomes, either maternal or paternal chromosome from each pair. Therefore, a total of 2^3 = 8 combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes are possible in the gametes of this organism.