Definition

1. Noun:
   • The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes: "crossing over" refers specifically to the biological process during meiosis where paired chromosomes swap corresponding segments, resulting in genetic recombination.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Crossing over increases genetic diversity in offspring.
  • The frequency of crossing over can be used to map gene locations on a chromosome.

Advanced Usage

• "to undergo crossing over": describes the process happening to chromosomes.
  • During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and may undergo crossing over.

Variants and Related Words

• Recombination (n): a broader term for the rearrangement of genetic material, which can result from crossing over.
  • Genetic recombination is a major source of variation.
• Chiasma (n): the physical point of contact between chromatids where crossing over occurs.
  • A chiasma is visible under a microscope where crossing over has happened.

Synonyms

• Genetic recombination: the general process of which crossing over is a specific type.
• Chromosomal crossover: a more technical synonym.

Related Phrases

• Crossing over frequency: a measure of how often crossing over occurs between specific genes.
  • A low crossing over frequency suggests the genes are very close together on the chromosome.

Noun

1. the interchange of sections between pairing homologous chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis