Question

Explain:

The exchange of chromatid parts between the maternal and the paternal chromatids of a pair of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Answer 1

Homologous chromosomes

1. Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs inherited from each parent.
2. They are similar in gene position but may contain different alleles.
3. There are two homologous chromosomes one from the father which is known as paternal chromosome and one from the mother which is known as maternal chromosome.
4. During the metaphase of meiosis, there is exchange of chromatid parts between the maternal and the paternal chromatids of a pair of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
5. This phenomenon is known as crossing over.
6. The site at which the genetic material is exchanged is called as chiasmata.