How many chromosomes were present in the cell at the beginning of meiosis?

here are the answers for Question 2:

2.1.1

• a) The phase represented in diagram II is Metaphase II.
• b) Part A represents the spindle fibers.

2.1.2
The type of cell that results from meiosis is a gamete (or sex cell).

2.1.3
Based on the diagrams showing 4 homologous pairs, the cell at the beginning of meiosis had 8 chromosomes.

2.1.4

• a) The term for abnormal meiosis (failure of chromosomes to separate) is non-disjunction.
• b) The genetic disorder that would result in humans if this abnormal meiosis occurs in chromosome pair number 21 is Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21).

2.1.5
The cell in diagram II does not belong to a human because it contains only 4 chromosomes. A normal human cell (gamete) would contain 23 chromosomes.