Question

Failure of chromatids to segregate during cell division cycle results in:

• A. Polyploidy
• B. Euploidy
• C. Aneuploidy
• D. Autopolyploidy

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Failure of chromatids to segregate properly during cell division can result in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells. This phenomenon is referred to as "nondisjunction." When nondisjunction occurs, it can lead to a condition known as "aneuploidy." In aneuploidy, cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can result in certain medical conditions, depending on which chromosomes are affected. 

To understand why aneuploidy is the correct answer, let's briefly differentiate it from other terms:

• Polyploidy: A condition in which a cell has more than two complete sets of chromosomes (e.g., triploidy, tetraploidy). It is common in plants but generally not viable in animals.
• Euploidy: Having a complete set of chromosomes, which is the normal chromosomal complement in an organism.
• Autopolyploidy: A type of polyploidy where all chromosome sets originate from the same species, leading to multiple sets of the same genome.

Considering these definitions, the correct term for the failure of chromatids to segregate properly is aneuploidy, where cells end up with missing or extra chromosomes.

Answer 2

(1) Polyploidy

Polyploidy refers to having more than two complete sets of chromosomes. It typically results from the failure of chromosomes to separate during meiosis or mitosis, but it involves entire sets of chromosomes rather than individual chromatids.

(2) Euploidy

Euploidy refers to having a normal number of chromosomes, typically in complete sets. It does not result from the failure of chromatids to segregate.

(3) Aneuploidy

Aneuploidy refers to having an abnormal number of chromosomes, often due to the failure of chromatids to segregate properly during cell division. This results in cells with too many or too few chromosomes.

(4) Autopolyploidy

Autopolyploidy is a type of polyploidy where an organism has multiple sets of chromosomes derived from a single species. It does not specifically result from the failure of chromatids to segregate.

Conclusion

The correct answer is (3) Aneuploidy. The failure of chromatids to segregate during cell division results in an abnormal number of chromosomes, which is characteristic of aneuploidy.