This is a tricky question because all of the choices are correct, except for one minor part. Meiosis sees cells undergo a reduction division in the first division. That means that after the first meiotic division, the diploid germ cell has become a haploid.

Meiosis is the process by which haploid gametes are produced. The attachment of a haploid sperm to a haploid egg begins the process of development and fertilization. In humans a sperm containing 23 chromosomes joins with an egg containing 23 chromosomes to create an organism with 46 chromosomes.

If meiosis were to produce diploid gametes, then the diploid gametes would combine to form an organism that contains twice as many chromosomes as the parent. For example, a diploid sperm and egg (containing 46 chromosomes each) would create an organism with 92 chromosomes. This new organism would produce another organism with 184 chromosomes (double 92). The subsequent generations would have twice as many chromosomes as the previous generation, and the amount of chromosomes would increase exponentially.

Offspring 1: 92 chromosomes

Offspring 2: 184 chromosomes

Offspring 3: 368 chromosomes

The best answer is that the number of chromosomes in subsequent generations would increase exponentially.

During metaphase, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, in preparation for anaphase. This phase of the cell cycle is highly visible as a distinct band of chromosomes lined up in the center of the cell.

This cell is in metaphase. This can be determined because the chromosomes are lined up on in the middle. This is known as the metaphase plate. After alignment the microtubules attach, and the chromosomes are ready to be seperated, which is the next phase (anaphase).

Centrosomes are portions of the cell that help nucleate microtubules and form the mitotic spindle. Centrioles are composed of tubulin and are portions of the centrosome. The centromere is the portion of the chromosome where the two sister chromatids are linked. The kinetochore is a protein structure that helps associate the mitotic spindle to the sister chromatids. The outer portion of the kinetochore interacts with the microtubules, while the inner portion associates with the centromeric DNA.

During anaphase two chromosomes over the metaphase plate are separated, and each daughter cell gets one copy. If this happens inappropriately and separation does not occur, a nondisjunction takes place.

Combrestatin interferes with the formation of microtubules, which make up the cytoskeletal architecture of a cell; therefore, the correct answer choice is involved with some microtubule-based process. DNA and protein synthesis do not involve microtubules, and would not be affected by the lack thereof. Muscle contraction depends on myosin, actin, troponin, etc., and not on microtubules. Membrane depolarization involves sodium/potassium channels, neurotransmitters, etc., and is not directly affected by microtubule inhibition.

The only answer that remains is mitosis, which involves microtubules in chromosomal segregation. The mitotic spindle in this separation is primarily composed of microtubules. The polymerization and depolymerization of microtubules is crucial for mitotic division. Combrestatin therefore prevents proper mitosis.

The mitotic sequence occurs during the M phase of the cell cycle. The process is outlined below.

Prophase—chromosomes condense

Metaphase—chromosomes align in the center of the cell

Anaphase—sister chromatids begin to separate

Telophase—separated chromosomes decondense (relax)

Cytokinesis—the cytosol of the cell completely separates and the membranes fuse shut

The fibers of the spindle apparatus function by attaching to the centromeres of chromosomes and shortening, pulling the chromosomes to opposite ends of the cell. Since chromosomes line up on the apparatus during metaphase, we know that the spindle apparatus must have begun to form during prophase. The spindle attach during metaphase, and pull the chromatids apart during anaphase.

During anaphase, sister chromatids are separated and pulled to polar ends of the cell. Drug therapy would best be able to target the mutation during this phase of mitosis.

Chromosomes condense and exit the nucleus during prophase. Alignment along the equatorial plate occurs during metaphase. Separation occurs during anaphase, and the nuclei begin to re-form during telophase in preparation for cytokinesis.