Assume that an organism exists in which crossing over does not occur, but that all other processes associated with meiosis occur normally. Consider how the absence of crossing over would affect the outcome of meiosis.

Which of the following statements about meiosis would be true if crossing over did not occur? Select all that apply!

a.The daughter cells of meiosis I would be diploid, but the daughter cells of meiosis II would be haploid.
b.The two sister chromatids of each replicated chromosome would no longer be identical.
c.The four daughter cells produced in meiosis II would all be different.
d.The two daughter cells produced in meiosis I would be identical.
e.There would be less genetic variation among gametes.
f.Independent assortment of chromosomes would not occur.

Meiosis may be defined as the process of cell division in which a single parent cell divides into four daughter cells. The chromosome number reduces to half in meiosis.

Crossing over is the process of exchange of genetic material between the homologous chromosomes of the non-sister chromatids. Crossing over will bring variation in the gametes. Hence, the absence of crossing over results in the formation of gametes with less genetic variation.

Thus, the correct answer is option (e).