Part 3: Cell division, sexual reproduction and geneticvariability (Chapter 11) E

Question

Part 3: Cell division, sexual reproduction and geneticvariability (Chapter 11)

Eukaryotic cells can divide by mitosis or meiosis. In humans,mitosis produces new cells for growth and repair; meiosis producessex cells (gametes) called sperm and eggs.

Although mutations are the ultimate source of geneticvariability, both meiosis and sexual reproduction also cancontribute to new genetic combinations in offspring.

Question: How do both meiosis and sexual reproduction(fertilization) produce offspring that differ genetically from theparents? Be sure to talk about steps in meiosis that increasevariability as well as the process of fertilization.

Explanation / Answer

Meiosis and sexual reproduction create genetic variability, mitosis creates daughter cells that are exact replicates of the parent cell.  During meiosis, more specifically synapsis, when homologus chromosomes come toghether and form tetrads, crossing over can occur.  Crossing  over results in a different combination of genes than both parent cells.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse P
• Subjects