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Multiple Choice
What happens during crossing over in meiosis?
A
Homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.
B
Chromosomes align at the cell equator.
C
The nuclear envelope breaks down.
D
Sister chromatids separate into different cells.
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 crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis. This is when homologous chromosomes pair up closely in a process called synapsis.
During synapsis, homologous chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids) align closely together, forming structures known as tetrads.
At this point, non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. This exchange is facilitated by the formation of chiasmata, which are points where the chromatids physically overlap and exchange genetic information.
The result of crossing over is genetic recombination, which increases genetic diversity by producing new combinations of alleles on each chromosome.