What term describes the process where genes on different chromosomes separate independently during meiosis?

The process where genes on different chromosomes separate independently during meiosis is termed "Independent Assortment." This principle, first described by Gregor Mendel, occurs during the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) when homologous chromosomes are sorted into daughter cells independently of one another.

Each pair of chromosomes aligns randomly at the metaphase plate during meiosis I, leading to different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes in the resulting gametes. This process contributes significantly to genetic variation in offspring, as the combination of alleles can differ greatly from one generation to the next. Understanding this concept is fundamental in genetics, as it explains how traits are inherited independently of one another when they are located on different chromosomes.

In contrast, gene linkage refers to the tendency of genes located close to one another on the same chromosome to be inherited together, while mutation relates to changes in the DNA sequence itself. Crossing over is a process that occurs during prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, leading to new combinations of alleles but does not apply to the independent separation of chromosomes.