Question

Imagine for a moment that you are a chromosome. Sometimes your life as a chromosome goes very smoothly. You’re copied, you go through a several step division process, and end up in a new cell. Simple!
What happens when things don’t follow the standard or expected processes? Is your day in the life of a chromosome simple anymore?
As a chromosome, how would you describe the processes of crossing over and mutations? How would you talk about not being able to stick with your friends during the process of independent assortment when traits are inherited independently?

Answer 1

This would entirely depend as to what does the word simple mean here. The definition of a simple life to a chromosome might not be the same to another chromosome. So when things don't follow the standard or expected processes, of course it wouldn't be the usual thing. That moment would leave an impression, a mark, on the life of the chromosome. But then, that would not be the case for long since it would be the new process starting from that moment or it would just revert to the usual way. Crossing over and mutations are kind of fun and at the same time boring, sometimes even sad. Of course, you need to leave those friends that you have made and then go to another stranger's lands and repeat the process all over again. What makes it fun though are the interactions that happen when making new friends. A lot of exchanges happen and it is all a give and take kind of relationship. Mutations, on the other hand, are kind of scary since you become somewhat deviant from the rest. You catch attention, sometimes questioned by the authorities during cross-overs and so on. The nice ring to it is that it inspires others to mutate, too, which is kind of fulfilling and satisfying knowing that you were the reason for their change.