What Makes Sexually Reproduced Offspring Genetically Different from Their Parents

Question

What makes sexually reproduced offspring genetically different from their parents?
A) genetic recombination during meiosis
B) fusion of haploid gametes from different parents during fertilization
C) genetic recombination during mitosis
D) both A and B
E) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Sexually reproduced offspring are genetically different from their parents due to genetic recombination during meiosis, which results in the production of haploid gametes carrying new combinations of genes. These gametes fuse during fertilization, resulting in a unique diploid individual with a combination of genetic traits from both parents. Mitosis does not lead to genetic recombination between different individuals.