Chromosomal inversions and meiosis: An odd number of crossovers within an inverted segment will yield a dicentric chromatid and an acentric fragment at anaphase I in which kind of inversion?

Introduction / Context:
Inversions alter the linear order of genes and can produce meiotic complications. Whether the centromere is included in the inverted segment determines the products of crossing over and the viability of resulting gametes. This question probes your ability to link cytogenetic configurations to meiotic outcomes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A single crossover occurs within an inverted region during meiosis I.
• We are comparing paracentric (centromere outside) versus pericentric (centromere inside) inversions.
• We observe anaphase I chromosome behavior.

Concept / Approach:
In a paracentric inversion, a crossover within the loop generates one dicentric chromatid (two centromeres) and one acentric fragment (no centromere). The dicentric can form a bridge that breaks; the acentric is lost, often causing gamete inviability. In pericentric inversions, crossovers yield chromatids with duplications and deletions but not dicentric/acentric products because the centromere is included in the exchanged segments.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Cytology textbooks consistently illustrate paracentric crossovers with bridges and fragments at anaphase I; pericentric events instead create duplication/deletion chromatids that retain single centromeres.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pericentric inversion: produces duplication/deletion chromatids, not dicentric/acentric pairs.
• Double inversion: undefined here and does not specifically predict the classic dicentric/acentric outcome.
• None of these and isochromosome: do not match the hallmark products described.

Common Pitfalls:
Memorizing outcomes without distinguishing whether the centromere lies inside or outside the inversion loop.

Final Answer:
Paracentric inversion (excludes the centromere)