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