Question

What causes recombination?

Answer 1

Recombination:

1. The process of combining DNA molecules to produce new combinations of alleles is called recombination.
2. Recombination is also known as genetic recombination.
3. During recombination, an exchange of genetic material (DNA) between two different chromosomes or between different regions of the same chromosome takes place.
4. Recombination takes place in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
5. Recombination increases the genetic diversity of sexually reproducing organisms.

Causes:

1. Recombination occurs when the chromosomes break at the same locus in the base pair sequence which results in the exchange of genes.
2. Recombination during meiosis is caused by crossing over. The homologous chromosomes pair and cross over at points known as the chiasmata.
3. The chiasma breaks and the broken chromosome segments get switched onto homologous chromosomes leading to recombination.