A diploid plant has chromosome number $2n=30$. During meiosis each chromosome pair can assort independently, and for each pair crossing over can produce four distinct recombinant chromatids. Assuming independent assortment and recombination, how many distinct haploid gamete combinations are theoretically possible?

Step-by-step solution

1. Determine the haploid number: $n=15$ because $2n=30$.
2. For each of the 15 chromosome pairs, crossing over can generate up to 4 different chromatids.
3. Each gamete receives one chromatid from each pair, and the choice of chromatid for each pair is independent of the others.
4. Hence the total number of distinct haploid gametes = product of possibilities for each pair = $4\times 4\times \cdots \times 4$ (15 times).
5. Mathematically, $4^{15}$ is the number of distinct haploid gamete combinations.

Concept tested: Meiosis, recombination, and independent assortment

Published 7 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked