When non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during meiosis, novel allelic combinations are created in the daughter cells.
Every chromosome in a diploid cell has two copies, one from the maternal gamete and the other from the paternal gamete. These chromosome pairs, which are each derived from a single parent, are known as homologous chromosomes. In order to produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction, diploid organisms first go through meiosis. Homologous chromosomes align with one another and exchange genetic material during prophase I of meiosis, leading to the formation of some recombinant chromosomes that include a combination of genes from both the maternal and paternal chromosomes.
