Which process involves the exchange of chromatids between homologous chromosomes during meiosis (also called gene shuffling)?

Which process involves the exchange of chromatids between homologous chromosomes during meiosis (also called gene shuffling)?

• A. Independent assortment
• B. Recombination
• C. Crossing over
• D. Segregation

Answer: (C)

Crossing over is the exchange of chromatids between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, occurring in prophase I when paired homologs form a tetrad and non-sister chromatids swap segments at points called chiasmata. This shuffling of genetic material creates recombinant chromatids with new allele combinations, increasing variation in the offspring. The other processes involve different steps or outcomes: independent assortment describes how whole chromosome pairs align and segregate into gametes, not exchanging material; segregation is the actual separation of chromosomes during anaphase, not gene exchange.

Crossing over is the exchange of chromatids between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, occurring in prophase I when paired homologs form a tetrad and non-sister chromatids swap segments at points called chiasmata. This shuffling of genetic material creates recombinant chromatids with new allele combinations, increasing variation in the offspring. The other processes involve different steps or outcomes: independent assortment describes how whole chromosome pairs align and segregate into gametes, not exchanging material; segregation is the actual separation of chromosomes during anaphase, not gene exchange.