independent assortment

Question 1

Independent assortment is the production of

Answer 1

different combinations of alleles in daughter cells due to the random alignment of homologous pairs along the equator of the spindle during metaphase I

The different combinations of chromosomes in daughter cells increases genetic variation between gametes

Question 2

In prophase I homologous chromosomes pair up and in metaphase I they are pulled towards the equator of the spindle
Each pair can be arranged with either chromosome on top, this is completely random
The orientation of one homologous pair is

Answer 2

independent / unaffected by the orientation of any other pair

Question 3

The homologous chromosomes are then separated and pulled apart to different poles

The combination of alleles that end up in each daughter cell depends on how the pairs of homologous chromosomes were lined up