Meiosis and Mendel
Science

The exchange of genetic material between similar chromosomes during meiosis
Crossing over
The exchange of genetic material between similar chromosomes during meiosis crossing over. Crossing over is when chromosomes swap genetic bits to create new gene combinations during the formation of eggs and sperm.

A chromosome with the same structure and gene sequence
Homologous chromosome
A chromosome with the same structure and gene sequence. Homologous chromosome. In simple terms, homologous chromosomes are paired chromosomes in a cell that have the same genes in the same order but may have different versions of those genes.

States that genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other
Law of independent assortment
States that genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other. Law of independent assortment. This law means that the inheritance of one trait does not affect the inheritance of another trait.

States that every organism has two alleles for each trait, these alleles separate in meiosis
Law of segregation
States that every organism has two alleles for each trait, these alleles separate in meiosis. Law of segregation. In simple terms, the law of segregation means that organisms inherit two copies of each gene, and these copies are separated when they form reproductive cells.