Recombination

Recombination

Recombination is the redistribution of genetic material during meiosis. Recombination makes it virtually impossible for two identical offspring to be conceived and is therefore crucial for high genetic variability.

In contrast to the evolution factor mutation, which creates new variations, recombination only ensures a different distribution of the existing (!) Genetic material. There is no change in the gene pool.

Interchromosomal recombination

Interchromosomal Recombination: In the metaphase within meiosis, all chromosomes "gather" in the equatorial plane (see picture on the right). In the following anaphase, a random distribution of the homologous chromosomes, which are pulled by the pulling fibers of the spindle apparatus to the edge of the cell, now occurs. In this way, the chromosome pairs are recombined. So they can now consist of paternal and maternal chromosomes.

Intrachromosomal recombination

Intrachromosomal Recombination: Affects recombination between the homologous chromosomes within meiosis. In prophase, the chromatids overlap one another (crossing over). It can lead to a fraction of sections, which are then closed with parts of the other chromatid again, so it comes eventually to a partial exchange of the chromosomes of paternal and maternal chromosomes.

Summary

Recombination recombines the existing genetic material (DNA)
A distinction is made between interchromosomal recombination (between the chromosomes) and intrachromosomal recombination (within the chromosomes)