Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I : Genetic variation is created by recombination
Statement II : Genetic variation cannot be created by independent assortment of the chromosomes
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Both meiotic crossing-over (recombination) and independent assortment are major biological mechanisms creating genetic variation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Meiosis generates vast novel allelic combinations through two primary cellular mechanisms.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement I is correct: Homologous recombination (crossing-over during pachytene) physically breaks and rejoins maternal and paternal chromatids, generating novel intra-chromosomal recombinant gene combinations.
2. Statement II is false: Independent assortment of non-homologous chromosomes during Anaphase I randomly shuffles maternal and paternal chromosomes into $2^n$ unique gametic combinations, acting as a major fundamental source of inter-chromosomal genetic variation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, Statement I is correct but Statement II is false.