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The inability of chromosomes to separate properly during anaphase is known as:

  1. Animalia

  2. Myosin

  3. Peroxisome

  4. Nondisjunction

The correct answer is: Nondisjunction

The correct answer is nondisjunction, which refers to the failure of chromosomes to separate properly during anaphase, leading to an abnormal distribution of chromosomes in the daughter cells. This can occur during either meiosis or mitosis, resulting in gametes that have either an extra chromosome or are missing a chromosome. Nondisjunction can lead to various genetic disorders depending on which chromosomes are affected. One well-known example is Down syndrome, which is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). Thus, acknowledging the importance of proper chromosomal segregation in cell division is crucial for understanding genetic implications in human health. The other options—Animalia, Myosin, and Peroxisome—are not related to the chromosomal separation process. Animalia is a kingdom in biological classification, myosin is a type of motor protein involved in muscle contraction and cellular movement, and peroxisomes are organelles that contain enzymes for metabolism, particularly in relation to fatty acids and detoxification processes. These terms relate to different aspects of biology and do not pertain to chromosomal behavior during cell division.