Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the process that occurs during meiosis to create genetic variation?
A
DNA replication
B
Crossing over
C
Cytokinesis
D
Mitosis
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.
Recognize that genetic variation during meiosis is primarily introduced through a process called 'crossing over.'
Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of genetic material.
This exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes results in new combinations of alleles, contributing to genetic diversity in the offspring.
Remember that crossing over is distinct from other processes like DNA replication, cytokinesis, and mitosis, which do not directly contribute to genetic variation in the same way.