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In: Biology

Provide two reasons why the process of meiosis leads to genetic variation in diploid organisms.

Provide two reasons why the process of meiosis leads to genetic variation in diploid organisms.

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Expert Solution

Following are two reasons why the process of meiosis leads to genetic variation in diploid organisms:

  • Crossing Over

During prophase of meiosis I, the homologous pairs of non-sister chromatids of chromosomes cross over with each other and often exchange chromosome segments by forming a chiasma. At each chiasma, the chromosomes break and rejoin, trading some of their gene, resulting in genetic variation. Crossing over creates genetic diversity by allowing genes from each parent to intermix, resulting in daughter chromosomes that are different from their parents. Genes often interact with each other, hence, the new combination of genes on a chromosome can lead to new traits in the offspring.

  • Random Chromatid Assortment

During meiosis II, the sister chromatids separate and get distributed randomly to the daughter cells, forming the gametes the gametes. Crossing over in meiosis I leads to non-identical chromatids in meiosis II chromosomes. During anaphase of meiosis II, the centromere joining each chromatid pair dissolves, creating two chromosomes of each type.


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