During human spermatogenesis and oogenesis, what is the key genetic outcome of homologous chromosome crossover during prophase I of meiosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Producing novel combinations of maternal and paternal alleles
- Step 1: Understand the evolutionary purpose of meiotic crossing over (chiasmata formation).
- Step 2: Non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange reciprocal DNA segments, recombining linked genetic markers to increase genetic diversity among gametes.
Answer
Producing novel combinations of maternal and paternal alleles.
Why not the others: Meiosis reduces chromosome number from diploid to haploid; gametes are genetically unique, not clones; crossing over does not suppress point mutations.
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