Meiosis: Chromosome Reduction & Genetic Variation — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptMeiosis is the mechanism by which conservation of specific chromosome number of each species is achieved across generations in sexually reproducing organisms, even though the process, per se, paradoxically, results in reduction of chromosome number by half. It also increases the genetic variability in the population of organisms from one generation to the next. Variations are very important for the process of evolution.
Which of the following statements correctly explain the origins of genetic variability during meiosis? S1. The primary cause of genetic variation in meiosis is the random assortment of homologous chromosomes during Anaphase I. S2. Crossing over, which involves the exchange of segments between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes, directly results in new combinations of alleles on a chromosome. S3. Synapsis, the intimate pairing of homologous chromosomes, is a prerequisite for crossing over to occur effectively, thereby indirectly contributing to genetic recombination. S4. Meiosis II contributes to genetic variation by segregating sister chromatids, which may no longer be identical due to preceding crossing over in Meiosis I. S5. The formation of the synaptonemal complex during zygotene ensures the physical proximity required for successful recombination events.
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