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Question

How do meiosis and sexual reproduction (fertilization) produce offspring that differ genetically from the parents? Be sure to talk about both meiosis and fertilization. please include references if possible

Answer 1

First and foremost there is recombination step in meiosis in which chromosomes exchange segments. At the end of meiosis haploid gamete is formed.

Once fertilization occurs, there is fusion of gametes hence the phenotype of the offspring is a result of allelic interaction. Alleles may be dom , recessive etc

Hence genetically an offspring wont resemble a single parent but its genetic makeup is constructed by the the combination of genetic makeup of both father and mother.