How does genetic variation occur in meiosis?

There are three ways that the cells produced in meiosis are different from each other and from the parent cells:1) Independent assortment: this is the idea that during metaphase 1 and 2 pairs of homologous chromosomes randomly line up. This means that there are different combinations of alleles that can occur in each of the four daughter cells.2) Genetic recombination: This is the crossing over and swapping of genetic material between chromatids of pairs of homologous chromosomes.3) Random fertilisation: This is the idea that once meiosis is over, the gametes produced (sperm and egg) randomly come together to form a zygote.

AL

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The events that take place during interphase and mitosis lead to the production of two genetically identical cells. Explain how.


What is meant by the semi-conservative replication of DNA?


How does an action potential travel from one neurone to another?


Describe how an enzyme increases the rate of a biochemical reaction?