RECOMBINATION (CROSSING OVER)

=Recombination= During meiosis I homologous chromosomes often exchange chromosome tips in a process called '''recombination''' (crossing over). The point at which the chromosomes cross over is known as the '''chiasma'''. [image:http://i.imgur.com/ZsFKpKF.png?1] Genes that are found on the same chromosome are called ''linked genes'' because they are literally stuck together. Independent assortment cannot re-arrange alleles that are linked (found on the same chromosome). Crossing over re-arranges the combination of alleles within a chromosome, thus adding to the potential genetic variation found between individuals. The further apart two genes are from each other, the greater the chance of crossing over occurring somewhere between the two. Likewise, if two genes are very close to each other, the chance of crossing over occurring in-between them is much smaller. When the resulting chromosomes finally separate, those with new combinations of alleles are referred to as '''recombinant chromosomes'''. '''Crossing over generates a new combination of alleles within a chromosome''' [image:http://i.imgur.com/3NlHLky.png?1]