What process leads to new combinations of DNA when two different parents contribute genetic material during reproduction?

What process leads to new combinations of DNA when two different parents contribute genetic material during reproduction?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Cellular respiration
• D. Photosynthesis

Answer: (B)

Genetic variation in offspring comes from the mixing of DNA from two parents during reproduction. This variation is created by meiosis, the special cell division that produces gametes with different allele combinations thanks to crossing over and the random assortment of chromosomes. When two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote carries a new mix of DNA inherited from both parents, giving the next generation inherent genetic diversity. Mitosis, by contrast, is the regular cell division that creates identical somatic cells and does not introduce new allele combinations. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are energy-related processes and do not generate inherited DNA variation.

Genetic variation in offspring comes from the mixing of DNA from two parents during reproduction. This variation is created by meiosis, the special cell division that produces gametes with different allele combinations thanks to crossing over and the random assortment of chromosomes. When two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote carries a new mix of DNA inherited from both parents, giving the next generation inherent genetic diversity. Mitosis, by contrast, is the regular cell division that creates identical somatic cells and does not introduce new allele combinations. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are energy-related processes and do not generate inherited DNA variation.