Crossing over during meiosis increases genetic variation in gametes.
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Understand the concept of gametogenesis: Gametogenesis is the biological process by which gametes (sperm and egg cells) are formed. It involves meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and introduces genetic variation.
Review the role of meiosis in gametogenesis: Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II) that result in four haploid cells. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over, increasing genetic diversity.
Analyze the statement about chromosome number: Gametogenesis produces cells with half the chromosome number of the original diploid cell. This ensures that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid chromosome number.
Evaluate the statement about genetic variation: Crossing over during meiosis is a key mechanism that increases genetic variation in gametes. This process ensures that gametes are genetically unique, not identical.
Identify the incorrect statement: The claim that 'Gametogenesis produces genetically identical gametes' is false because gametes are genetically diverse due to crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis.