RECOMBINATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Recombination is a biological process that refers to the rearrangement of genetic material in organisms, resulting in the creation of new combinations of alleles. It occurs during the formation of reproductive cells, such as eggs and sperm, in sexually reproducing organisms.
During recombination, sections of DNA from homologous chromosomes align with each other and exchange genetic material through a process known as crossing over. This exchange of genetic material promotes genetic diversity by mixing and recombining different alleles, which are alternative forms of a gene. As a result, offspring inherit a unique combination of genetic traits from their parents.
Recombination plays a crucial role in evolutionary processes, as it introduces variation into a population. It enables the natural selection to act upon a wider array of genetic possibilities, increasing the chances for beneficial adaptations to occur. Additionally, recombination can unlink genes that are inherited together, allowing for the shuffling and reshuffling of genetic traits across generations.
The frequency of recombination can vary among species and can be influenced by several factors such as the distance between genes on a chromosome and the presence of genetic markers. Scientists have developed methods, such as genetic mapping, to study and analyze recombination patterns, providing valuable insights into the organization and inheritance of genetic material.
Overall, recombination is a natural biological process that plays a fundamental role in genetic diversity, evolution, and the inheritance of traits in sexually reproducing organisms.
Common Misspellings for RECOMBINATION
Etymology of RECOMBINATION
The word "recombination" originates from the Latin term "recombinare", which is a combination of two Latin words: "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and "combinare" meaning "to combine". The prefix "re-" implies a repetition or reversal, while "combinare" denotes the act of combining or joining together. Therefore, the etymology of "recombination" suggests the process of putting together or combining again. In the context of genetics or molecular biology, "recombination" refers to the exchange or rearrangement of genetic material between DNA molecules.
Similar spelling word for RECOMBINATION
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
