Final answer:
The process of homologous recombination is utilized during meiosis for gene shuffling and is also involved in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks, ensuring the maintenance of genomic integrity and contributing to genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process used for gene shuffling in meiosis that is also used to repair double-strand breaks is homologous recombination. This complex mechanism is a key part of meiosis, particularly during prophase I, where homologous chromosomes align and exchange alleles through breaking and rejoining DNA strands, a process essential for generating genetic diversity.
Homologous recombination is not only fundamental in meiosis but also plays a crucial role in the repair of double-strand breaks, utilizing a similar set of enzymes and proteins to accurately fix damaged DNA and maintain the integrity of the genomic sequence in all species.
To specifically highlight the recombination event: During meiosis I, synapsis of homologous chromosomes allows for crossing over, in which DNA strands break and alleles are exchanged before resealing occurs, producing recombinant chromosomes. This crucial mechanism underlies the creation of novel genetic combinations. In contrast, processes like transcription, translation, and DNA replication are involved in the expression and duplication of genetic information but do not contribute to allelic shuffling or repair of double-strand breaks in the same way as homologous recombination.