Answer:
1. 128
2. 16,384
Explanation:
Imagine there were two pairs of chromosomes:
A paired with B
C paired with D
A gamete could have the following combinations:
A + C
A + D
B + C
B + D
Therefore, with two pairs of chromosomes, there are 4 (2²) possibilities
With seven pairs of chromosomes, there are (2⁷) possibilities. 2⁷ = 128
For a zygote produced by two barley parents, there are two gametes fused. So we must multiply the number of combinations for each gamete. Therefore, number of possible genetic combinations is 128 x 128 = 16,384
I do believe the answer is B because since it is going through each phase, the DNA strand will continue to adjust itself as the cell moves making the strands split allowing themselves to create copies. Since DNA has to be connected with another strand that will fit, it will be able to multiply itself based on the pieces that are missing