Question

Genetic recombination occurs by which process?
a. independent assortment
b. crossing over
c. chromosome segregation
d. sister chromatids

Short answer

The correct answer is (b) 'crossing over'.

Step-by-step solution

Definition

Genetic recombination occurs when segments of DNA from the same chromosome are exchanged, this is referred to as genetic recombination. Recombination occurs during the pachytene stage of meiosis's prophase I. This process is known as crossing over, and it results in the formation of new gene combinations, resulting in genetic variation.

Explanation

Option (b) is given as 'crossing over'. Genetic recombination occurs as a result of crossing over, which is the exchange of a DNA segment between homologous chromosomes. As a result, option (b) is correct.