Final answer:
During meiosis, the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, known as recombination, can disrupt gene linkage and result in new allele combinations. This genetic shuffling allows segment pol genes to potentially assume new functions previously carried out by pair-rule genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic Recombination and Gene Function
The question relates to the biological concept whereby segment pol genes assume the role initially performed by pair-rule genes during the development of an organism. To address this, it is essential to understand the process of genetic recombination and how it influences genetic variation. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material in a process called crossover or recombination. This exchange leads to the mixing of maternal and paternal alleles which can have varied expressions in the offspring. As a result, different gene sequences, like those coding for blood type (A, B, and O) in humans, can be paired in new combinations. The influence of genes linked on the same chromosome, as well as the occurrence of recombination, plays a crucial role in the expression of certain traits and can affect the function of segments within polypeptide chains, potentially allowing for a takeover in function by segment pol genes.
Linkage of genes on the same chromosome can result in alleles being inherited together, but recombination can disrupt this linkage, resulting in novel allele combinations. Homologous chromosomes synapse and align gene by gene, which allows for precise recombination and shuffling of alleles without altering the original gene order. Thus, segment pol genes may assume new roles or functions as a consequence of this genetic reshuffling.