How Does Crossing Over Create Genetic Variation?
Crossing over creates genetic variation by exchanging DNA between two nonsister chromatids to produce genetically unique chromosomes. The process of crossing over occurs during meiosis.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four haploid gametes from a parent cell. These gametes contain 23 chromosomes, which is half of the genetic information of the parent. During fertilization, a zygote is formed when these gametes combine with the gametes of the opposite sex. The zygote will have the complete or diploid number of chromosomes, which is 46. The two ways wherein meiosis increases genetic diversity in a species are crossing over and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes.
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