Generation of non-parental gene combinations in F2 generation is due to

Options

A. segregation
B. recombination
C. linkage
D. crossing over

Answer

To answer the question regarding the generation of non-parental gene combinations in the F2 generation, we can break down the solution into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gene Combinations**:
- In genetics, offspring can inherit combinations of genes from their parents. These combinations can be parental (similar to the parents) or non-parental (different from the parents).

2. **Identifying Non-parental Combinations**:
- Non-parental gene combinations are also referred to as recombinant gene combinations. These arise when genes are assorted in ways that differ from the parental combinations.

3. **Role of Recombination**:
- The generation of non-parental gene combinations is primarily due to a process called recombination. Recombination refers to the rearrangement of genetic material, especially by crossing over in chromosomes during meiosis.

4. **Linkage and Its Effects**:
- When genes are physically linked (i.e., located close to each other on the same chromosome), they tend to be inherited together, leading to a higher frequency of parental types. However, when recombination occurs, it can break this linkage and create new combinations of alleles.

5. **Crossing Over**:
- Recombination is often associated with the process of crossing over, which occurs during the pachytene stage of meiosis. During crossing over, homologous chromosomes exchange segments, leading to new allele combinations.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the generation of non-parental gene combinations in the F2 generation is due to recombination (crossing over) during meiosis, which allows for the mixing of parental genes and the formation of recombinant types.

### Final Answer:
The generation of non-parental gene combinations in the F2 generation is due to **recombination**, also known as **crossing over**.

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