In: Biology
4. What are three ways that generate genetic variability during the process of meiosis?
Why don’t these occur during mitosis?
The processes which give rise to variations between meiosis are -
1. The first is the process of crossing over which occurs during prophase 1 of meiosis 1. It is the exchange of genetic material between non sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. One pair of homologous chromosomes contains one paternal and one maternal chromosome. After the process of crossing over, recombinant chromosomes are formed which are not only different from each other but also from the parent chromosome. They are a mix of both paternal and maternal chromosomes.
2. The second process is the independent assortment of chromosomes one from one another during metaphase 1 of meiosis 1. It is the segregation of alleles of different genes from each other so that every gamete receives one allele of a gene.
3. The third process is the segregation of chromosomes from one another. In this process, alleles of same gene segregate independently of each other during the gamete formation. It takes place in anaphase 1 of meiosis 1.
All these three events and sure that every gamete receives one allele of every genes and also all the gametes are different from one another and also from the parent cell.
These events do not take place in mitosis because mitosis is primarily responsible for the maintenance of the body of an individual. It does not participate in the formation of gametes. Whenever the maintenance of the body of an individual is required, then no variations are required in this process. But if the gametes are to be formed, then it should be ensured that there is a great variation within the gametes and also between the gametes and the parent cell because the most important feature of sexual reproduction is variation which can occur only during the formation of gametes with the help of meiosis.
Please give a good rating.