Introduces genetic variability among the gametes.Group of answer choicesmeiosis onlyboth mitosis and meiosisneither mitosis nor meiosismitosis only

Understanding Genetic Variability in Gametes

Genetic variability, which is the diversity in gene frequencies, is primarily introduced during the formation of gametes. This process occurs through various mechanisms during cell division.

Types of Cell Division

1. Mitosis: This is the process of cell division that results in two daughter cells with identical genetic material to the parent cell. It does not introduce genetic variability because the daughter cells are clones of the parent.

2. Meiosis: This is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically distinct gametes (sperm or eggs). Meiosis introduces genetic variability through several mechanisms:

   • Crossing Over: This occurs during Prophase I, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material.
   • Independent Assortment: This occurs during Metaphase I, where chromosomes are distributed randomly to the daughter cells, leading to different combinations of alleles.

Final Answer

Meiosis only introduces genetic variability among the gametes.