How does genetic variation occur in meiosis?

There are three ways that the cells produced in meiosis are different from each other and from the parent cells:1) Independent assortment: this is the idea that during metaphase 1 and 2 pairs of homologous chromosomes randomly line up. This means that there are different combinations of alleles that can occur in each of the four daughter cells.2) Genetic recombination: This is the crossing over and swapping of genetic material between chromatids of pairs of homologous chromosomes.3) Random fertilisation: This is the idea that once meiosis is over, the gametes produced (sperm and egg) randomly come together to form a zygote.

Answered by Amy L. Biology tutor

6310 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between chromatin, chromatids, chromosomes and homologous pairs.


Describe the process of phagocytosis


How do you get from an a base like adenine to an enzyme/protein?


Explain how the structure of glycogen makes it suitable as a cellular energy store. (3 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences