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Question #45270
The Question
An experimental drug is administered to primary spermatocytes entering Prophase I of meiosis. The drug induces hyper-acetylation of histone tails, effectively neutralizing the positive charges on their lysine and arginine residues. Which of the following represents the most likely consequence of this treatment?
Options
- A.
The bivalents will fail to form during zygotene because insufficient chromatin compaction prevents the assembly of the synaptonemal complex.
- B.
Crossing over will be significantly enhanced during pachytene because the loosened chromatin provides easier access for the recombinase enzyme.
- C.
The cell will arrest at the diplotene stage due to the inability of the homologous chromosomes to dissolve the synaptonemal complex.
- D.
DNA replication will be prematurely re-initiated during the interkinesis stage due to the loss of nucleosome structural integrity.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Synaptonemal Complex|Histone Octamer Charge Interaction|Chromatin Condensation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Molecular Basis of Inheritance (DNA packaging via histone charge) with Cell Cycle (Meiosis Prophase I stages).
The primary trap is Option B, which plays on the 'Common Half-Truth' that 'loose chromatin = accessible DNA'.
Students often forget that meiotic crossing over is not merely about enzyme access, but fundamentally requires a highly condensed, organized structural scaffold (synaptonemal complex) assembled during zygotene.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Synaptonemal Complex Assembly |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |