Question

What are two ways that the mechanisms of meiosis introduce genetic variation into the processes of sexual reproduction?

Answer 1

Meiosis is the reproductive genetic process by which male and female gametes are produced. Cells have two copies of each chromosome,donated by each parent and hence the cell is termed as a diploid cell. Meiosis transforms this diploid cell into four haploid grand daughter cells,each has a single copy of chromosome. This process helps increase the genetic diversity of the species.

the following are the mechanisms of meiosis that introduces genetic variation:

1. Homologous chromosomes cross over with each other and exchange their genetic material by a process called Recombination. This recombination creates genetic variation, resulting in the formation of a new chromosome with a different genetic complement. This occurs during prophase of meiosis I.

2. After meiosis I, the diploid number of chromosomes becomes haploid in the cell, and the distribution of each chromosome become random that is distributed to either of the two daughter cells.Hence, the gametes produced after meiosis 2 have new combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes which increases genetic variations.

3. Genetic variations also occurs during meiosis II, in which the sister chromatids( homologous chromosomes) separate and are distributed randomly to the daughter cells, resulting in the formation of gametes.