What do we call the process of homologous chromosomes pairing and exchanging genetic material?

What do we call the process of homologous chromosomes pairing and exchanging genetic material?

• A. Segregation
• B. Crossing over
• C. Independent assortment
• D. Genetic recombination

Answer: (B)

The process of homologous chromosomes pairing and exchanging genetic material is known as crossing over. This occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes align closely and form structures called tetrads. At this point, segments of DNA can be exchanged between the paired chromosomes, resulting in genetic variation among the gametes produced. Crossing over is a crucial mechanism for generating diversity in sexually reproducing organisms. It allows for new combinations of alleles to be formed, which can lead to variations in traits among offspring. This process not only increases genetic diversity but also enhances the adaptability of populations by introducing new genetic combinations into the gene pool. The other processes mentioned, such as segregation, independent assortment, and genetic recombination, relate to different aspects of genetic inheritance and variation. Segregation refers to the separation of alleles during gamete formation, independent assortment describes how different genes are distributed independently of one another during meiosis, while genetic recombination can refer more broadly to the reshuffling of genetic material, not limited to the exchange seen during crossing over.

The process of homologous chromosomes pairing and exchanging genetic material is known as crossing over. This occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes align closely and form structures called tetrads. At this point, segments of DNA can be exchanged between the paired chromosomes, resulting in genetic variation among the gametes produced.

Crossing over is a crucial mechanism for generating diversity in sexually reproducing organisms. It allows for new combinations of alleles to be formed, which can lead to variations in traits among offspring. This process not only increases genetic diversity but also enhances the adaptability of populations by introducing new genetic combinations into the gene pool.

The other processes mentioned, such as segregation, independent assortment, and genetic recombination, relate to different aspects of genetic inheritance and variation. Segregation refers to the separation of alleles during gamete formation, independent assortment describes how different genes are distributed independently of one another during meiosis, while genetic recombination can refer more broadly to the reshuffling of genetic material, not limited to the exchange seen during crossing over.