H.B.4C

 Conceptual Understanding: Sex cells are formed by a process of cell division in which the number of chromosomes per cell is halved after replication. With the exception of sex chromosomes, for each chromosome in the body cells of a multicellular organism, there is a second similar, but not identical, chromosome. Although these pairs of similar chromosomes can carry the same genes, they may have slightly different alleles. During meiosis the pairs of similar chromosomes may cross and trade pieces. One chromosome from each pair is randomly passed on to form sex cells resulting in a multitude of possible genetic combinations. The cell produced during fertilization has one set of chromosomes from each parent.