Question

Describe how independent assortment and crossing-over ensures that each gamete is different. A) It results in the random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes.

B) It ensures that sister chromatids are separated during cell division.
C) It allows for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
D) It determines the order in which alleles are inherited from parents.

Answer 1

Independent assortment and crossing-over ensure that each gamete is different by randomly distributing maternal and paternal chromosomes and allowing for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Independent assortment and crossing-over ensure that each gamete is different in two main ways:

1. Independent assortment results in the random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes line up randomly on the metaphase plate, allowing for the mixing and shuffling of chromosomes.
2. Crossing-over allows for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes undergo crossover, which creates new combinations of genes on the chromatids.