Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Genetic recombination is an important mechanism of increasing genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.
Reason (R) : Genetic recombination occurs during meiosis when homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material through crossing over, resulting in new combinations of alleles in the gametes.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

To test if the Reason explains the Assertion, read them together using the connector "because":
"Genetic recombination increases genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms BECAUSE crossing over during meiosis exchanges genetic material between homologous chromosomes, producing new combinations of alleles."
This reads as a logical, scientifically correct explanation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Genetic recombination is a key molecular process that reshuffles genetic material, creating unique combinations of alleles in offspring.
It is a major source of genetic variation in sexually reproducing populations, providing the raw material for natural selection and plant breeding.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both the assertion and reason individually:
Assertion (A): "Genetic recombination is an important mechanism of increasing genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms."
This statement is correct.
Without genetic recombination, offspring would inherit exact, non-recombinant parental chromosomes.
Recombination reshuffles paternal and maternal alleles, producing unique genotypes and phenotypes, which directly increases genetic diversity.
Reason (R): "Genetic recombination occurs during meiosis when homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material through crossing over, resulting in new combinations of alleles in the gametes."
This statement is correct.
During Prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis) and form chiasmata.
Non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes break and rejoin, exchanging reciprocal segments of DNA (crossing over).
This physical exchange of genetic material generates new combinations of alleles that were not present in either parent, producing genetically unique gametes.
This meiotic crossing over directly explains how genetic recombination increases genetic diversity, making (R) the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
This corresponds to Option (A).