Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sperm and egg cells). It involves crossing over, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, and independent assortment, where chromosomes are randomly distributed to gametes. These processes increase genetic variation, essential for evolution and adaptation.
2 Suggestions
Meiosis contributes to genetic diversity through processes like crossing over and independent assortment. During crossing over, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, creating new allele combinations. Independent assortment randomly distributes chromosomes into gametes, ensuring unique genetic variations in offspring. These mechanisms are vital for evolution and adaptation.
Meiosis contributes to genetic diversity by introducing genetic variation through processes like crossing over and independent assortment. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material in a process called crossing over, which results in new combinations of genes. Additionally, independent assortment occurs when chromosomes are randomly distributed into gametes, further shuffling genetic material. These mechanisms ensure that each gamete (sperm or egg) carries a unique set of genes, and when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting offspring inherit a diverse combination of genetic traits, contributing to the genetic diversity of a population.