Cause of chromosome laggards in meiosis is

Options

A. Inversion
B. Dicentric chromosome
C. Acentric chromosome
D. Duplication of a gene

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Chromosome Laggards**:
- Chromosome laggards refer to chromosomes that fail to move to the poles during cell division, particularly during meiosis. This results in unequal distribution of chromosomes to the daughter cells.

2. **Identifying the Cause**:
- To determine the cause of chromosome laggards, we need to examine the mechanisms of chromosome movement during meiosis. Chromosomes are pulled apart by spindle fibers, which attach to the centromeres.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **A. Inversion**: This refers to a chromosomal rearrangement where a segment of a chromosome is reversed end to end. While it can affect gene expression, it does not directly cause lagging chromosomes.
- **B. Dicentric Chromosome**: This is a chromosome that has two centromeres due to the fusion of two chromatids. The presence of two centromeres can lead to improper attachment to spindle fibers, causing lagging during separation.
- **C. Acentric Chromosomes**: These chromosomes lack a centromere, which would prevent them from being pulled by spindle fibers, potentially leading to lagging.
- **D. Duplication of Gene**: This refers to a segment of DNA being duplicated. While it can lead to genetic imbalances, it does not directly cause lagging of chromosomes.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The most appropriate answer to the question about the cause of chromosome laggards in meiosis is **B. Dicentric Chromosome**. The presence of two centromeres interferes with the normal separation of chromosomes, leading to lagging.