crossing over
1
7.9
- noun
- Specialized
:
intercambio genético
- Scientists study crossing over to understand how traits can be inherited in different combinations.
Examples
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But smart little DNA strands do this thing called "crossing over," where the two chromosomes tenderly hug and trade their troublesome bits for the troublesome bits on their neighboring chromosome.
Blog text (13) -
And it is thought that every human chromosome experiences one crossing over event every generation, roughly, probably true for most organisms.
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During meiosis, the crossing over of genetic material leads to greater diversity in offspring.
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The process of crossing over occurs when homologous chromosomes exchange genetic information.
Synonyms
1
8.2
Exchange of parts between paired chromosomes that increases genetic variation
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines the everyday senses of 'cross' (to pass or intersect) and 'over' (across), so there is a loose, interpretable image of things crossing that maps onto chromosomes exchanging segments. However, the precise biological process—exchange of genetic material during meiosis—is technical and not fully predictable from the common meanings of the constituents, so a B1 learner without domain knowledge would likely not infer the full sense.
Etymology
Crossing over comes from the image of two matching chromosomes literally crossing and passing pieces over to each other like two crossing lines. That literal swap is why the term means 'the exchange of genetic material' that creates new combinations of genes.