Crossing over refers to the exchange of genetic material or chromosome segments between non-sister chromatids in meiosis.
This genetic process occurs between homologous regions of matching chromosomes and the interchange of homologous chromosomes.
Crossing over is an enzyme-mediated process, where the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes takes place.
It occurs at the pachytene stage of prophase I of meiosis.
Significance of crossing over:
Crossing over produces a new combination of genes.
Crossing over plays an essential role in the process of evolution.
Crossing over frequency helps in the construction of genetic maps.
Crossing over provides evidence for a linear arrangement of linked genes in a chromosome.
Crossing over provides an inexhaustible store of gene variability in sexually reproducing organisms.
