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A. crossing over
B. genetic drift
C. law of dominance
D. random segregation
E. independent assortment

Sexual reproduction promotes genetic variation. One way variation occurs is via the production of gametes during meiosis. Sexual organisms are the product of sperm and egg, receiving chromosomes from both parents. But what mechanisms are at work during meiosis to promote genetic variation? Review the prompt and select all that apply.
Responses
A A and BA and B
B A, D, EA, D, E
C A, B, C, EA, B, C, E
D A, B, C, D, E

1 answer

The mechanisms that promote genetic variation during meiosis include:

  • A. Crossing over: This process occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, leading to new combinations of alleles.

  • B. Genetic drift: While genetic drift is a mechanism that affects allele frequencies in populations over generations, it does not directly occur during meiosis itself. Therefore, it is not relevant in the context of meiosis.

  • C. Law of dominance: This refers to Mendel's principle where dominant alleles mask the expression of recessive alleles in heterozygous individuals. It does not directly promote genetic variation during meiosis.

  • D. Random segregation: This refers to the random assortment of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during anaphase I of meiosis, contributing to genetic variation.

  • E. Independent assortment: This principle explains how different genes distribute independently of one another during gamete formation. It occurs during metaphase I of meiosis and promotes genetic variation through the random arrangement of homologous chromosome pairs.

Based on these mechanisms that promote genetic variation during meiosis, the correct answer is:

B. A, D, E (Crossing over, Random segregation, Independent assortment).