Question

Genetic recombination is due to:

• A. Fertilization and meiosis
• B. Mitosis and meiosis
• C. Fertilization and mitosis
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Fertilization and meiosis

The correct option is A:

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Meiosis is a type of reductional division that reduces the chromosome number to half and introduces variation because of crossing over during meiosis.
2. It is commonly observed in germ cells for the formation of gametes.
3. Meiosis results in the formation of four haploid cells which are different from the parent cell.
4. Fertilization results in intermixing genetic material as it involves the fusion of male and female gametes.
5. Therefore, as a result, genetic recombination is observed.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

1. Mitosis is a type of cell division known as equational division.
2. It does not introduce any genetic variation during the process.
3. Whereas meiosis introduces variation in the daughter cell due to crossing over between the homologous chromosomes.

Option C:

1. Mitosis results in the formation of diploid cells which are genetically identical to the parent cell. So, no variation was observed.
2. Whereas fertilization results in intermixing of genetic material.
3. Thus, mitosis followed by fertilization does not lead to genetic recombination

Final answer: Genetic recombination is due to fertilization and meiosis.