Genetic Variation in Meiosis Flashcards

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What is genetic variation?

Genetic variation is the differences in genes or alleles between organisms of the same species.

How does meiosis produce genetic variation?

Meiosis makes gametes with different combinations of chromosomes and alleles, so they are all unique.

What is independent assortment in meiosis?

Independent assortment is when pairs of chromosomes line up and separate into gametes at random.

How does independent assortment lead to different gametes?

Each gamete gets a random mix of chromosomes from the mother and father, creating variation.

What is crossing over in meiosis?

Crossing over is when chromatids in a pair of chromosomes break and swap matching sections.

How does crossing over create genetic variation?

Crossing over makes new combinations of alleles on each chromosome, so gametes all differ.

Why are gametes produced by meiosis not identical to each other?

Independent assortment and crossing over both shuffle alleles, so each gamete has a unique set.

How is meiosis different from mitosis in terms of genetic variation?

Meiosis makes genetically different gametes, but mitosis makes new cells that are genetically identical.

Why do brothers and sisters from the same parents often look different?

Each child is made from different gametes, so they inherit a different mix of alleles.

How does fertilisation add to genetic variation?

Any sperm can join with any egg, so many different allele combinations are possible in the zygote.

Why is genetic variation produced by meiosis useful for a species?

It means some individuals are more likely to survive changes in the environment and breed.

Name two processes in meiosis that cause genetic variation.

Independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over between chromatids.