Question

Complete the statement about genetic variation.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Metaphase 1

2. Independent assortment

3. Crossing over

Explanation:

Meiosis is a kind of cell division that reduces the chromosome number of the parent cell by half. It only occurs during sexual reproduction and ensures genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms.

Meiosis contributes to genetic variability when the chromosomes line up randomly at the cell plate during METAPHASE 1 of meiosis. This process of random alignment is called INDEPENDENT ASSORTMENT of genes. Generally, meiosis is able to ensure genetic variability due to a process called CROSSING OVER. Crossing over is a process whereby nonsister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchanges/shuffles genetic contents.