AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Explanation: The crossing over of homologous chromosomes occurs in prophase I of meiosis. Prophase I of meiosis is characterized by the lining up of homologous chromosomes close together to form a structure known as a tetrad. A tetrad is composed of four chromatids.

Detailed explanation-2: -During prophase I, the pairs of homologous chromosomes come together to form a tetrad or bivalent, which contains four chromatids. Recombination can occur between any two chromatids within this tetrad structure.

Detailed explanation-3: -Crossing over occurs only during prophase I. The complex that temporarily forms between homologous chromosomes is only present in prophase I, making this the only opportunity the cell has to move DNA segments between the homologous pair.

Detailed explanation-4: -When homologous chromosomes form pairs during prophase I of meiosis I, crossing-over can occur. Crossing-over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. It results in new combinations of genes on each chromosome.

Detailed explanation-5: -Tetrad formation occurs during the zygotene stage of meiotic prophase. It is a meiotic-specific process. Homologous chromosomes are DNA fragments within a diploid organism of the same size one from each parental source.