Final answer:
Genetic recombination occurs during meiosis, with crossing over during prophase I playing a significant role. This process, along with independent assortment and fertilization, leads to genetic diversity in offspring. The correct answer is option (b)
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic Recombination Through Meiosis
Genetic recombination occurs through a process known as meiosis, a form of cell division unique to the production of gametes (sperm and egg cells) in eukaryotic organisms. Recombination is critical for introducing genetic diversity within a species. It includes several mechanisms such as independent assortment, crossing over, and chromosome segregation. Among these processes, crossing over is particularly notable for its role in genetic recombination.
During the prophase stage of Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes align in pairs in a process called synapsis. This close pairing allows for chromosomal crossover, a physical exchange of chromosome segments between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. Figures depicting the process show a maternal strand of DNA intertwining with a paternal strand, leading to the breakage and rejoining of these chromosomes to create new combinations of genes on each chromosome. As a result, chromosomes that are neither entirely maternal nor entirely paternal are produced; these are known as recombinant chromosomes.
The significance of chromosomal crossover can be appreciated in the variation it generates among offspring. Other processes that contribute to variation include independent assortment and fertilization. Independent assortment refers to the random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis, which determines which chromosome from each pair gets passed on to a gamete. Fertilization then brings together these varied gametes from each parent, further contributing to genetic diversity.