A diploid plant has chromosome number $2n=20$. During meiosis, each chromosome pair can assort independently and each pair can produce two recombinant chromatids due to crossing over. Assuming independent assortment and recombination, how many distinct haploid gamete combinations are theoretically possible?

Step-by-step solution

1. Diploid number $2n=20$ gives haploid $n=10$.
2. Independent assortment of the 10 chromosome pairs yields $2^{10}$ ways to choose parental chromosomes.
3. Each chromosome pair can produce two recombinant chromatids; choosing one of them for a gamete gives another factor of 2, but this is already included in the $2^{10}$ count.
4. Thus the total number of distinct haploid gamete combinations is $2^{10}=1024$.
5. Answer: 1024.

Concept tested: Gamete number from independent assortment and recombination

Published 22 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked