TASK (P4) How each of the following contributes to genetic variation among offspring Prophase 1 of meiosis-crossing over, this

is a result of the chromatids within a bivalent (pair of homologous chromosomes) getting tangled up with one other. They form chiasmata (singular: chiasma). The chromatids break and rejoin at each chiasma, producing a different arrangement of alleles on each one. Metaphase 1 of meiosis- as a result of the randomness of alignment of the bivalents, either of a pair of alleles of one gene may end up in the same cell as either of a pair of alleles of another gene on a different chromosome. Fertilisation- any gamete from the father can fertilise any gamete from the mother. This is a conventional way of showing the relative chances of a child of certain genotype or phenotype being born to parents having a particular genotype or phenotype.

DNA replication precedes the start of meiosis I. During prophase I, homologous

chromosomes pair and form synapses, a step unique to meiosis. The paired chromosomes are called bivalents, and the formation of chiasmata caused by genetic recombination becomes apparent. Chromosomal condensation allows these to be viewed in the microscope. Note that the bivalent has two chromosomes and four chromatids, with one chromosome coming from each parent. Bivalents, each composed of two chromosomes (four chromatids) align at the metaphase plate. The orientation is random, with either parental homologue on a side. This means that there is a 50-50 chance for the daughter cells to get either the mother's or father's homologue for each chromosome.