Learn More (recombination)

  • Two genes located on the same chromosome may or may not segregate together. Recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis leads to novel combinations of genes in the gamete, and hence offspring.
  • Through the process of recombination, each chromosome that is transmitted from parent to child contains some segments derived from the child's grandfather and some from the child's grandmother.
  • Recombination plays an important role in assuring genetic variability between individuals, even within the same family.

recombination

The behavior during meiosis of alleles at two loci (1 and 2) on the same chromosome depends on their proximity.

recombination

Illustrations adapted from Nussbaum RL, McInnes RR, Willard HF, eds: Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Medicine, 6 ed. Gene mapping and the human genome project, Fig 8-12, p 120. Copyright 2001, with permission from Elsevier.

Posted: 12-30-03

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