Question

Crossing over plays a critical role in increasing the genetic variation among offspring of sexual reproduction. It is important to understand how crossing over occurs and its consequences in meiosis. Look carefully at the diagrams depicting different stages in meiosis in a cell where 2n

Answer 1

Crossing over is a process that occurs during meiosis, the type of cell division that produces gametes. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes, or chromosomes that carry the same genes, pair up and exchange segments of genetic material. This process is known as crossing over, and it increases the genetic variation among the offspring of sexual reproduction. It is important to understand how crossing over works and its consequences in meiosis. During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and sections of DNA are exchanged between them. This creates new combinations of alleles, or different versions of the same gene, which can be passed down to offspring. As a result, crossing over increases the genetic diversity of the offspring, creating the possibility for more advantageous traits to be passed down.