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Multiple Choice
Crossing over occurs during which phase of meiosis?
A
Metaphase I
B
Telophase I
C
Prophase I
D
Anaphase I
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.
Recall that meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each division has several phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
Focus on Meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes are separated. This is the stage where genetic variation is introduced.
Identify that crossing over, the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, occurs during Prophase I of Meiosis I. This process increases genetic diversity.
Remember that during Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis, and crossing over occurs at points called chiasmata, leading to the exchange of genetic material.