Describe the life of a chromosome

Chromosome are thread-like structure of DNA and protein found in the nucleus of living cells. They carry the genetic material.

Chromosome cross over occurs between prophase 1 and metaphase1 of cell division during meosis. It is the process in which homologous chromosomes pair up with each other and exchange different portion of their genetic material thereby forming recombinant chromosomes.

As the cell division progresses, the pair of homologous chromosomes are divided in half to form haploid cells. This random process is called assortment.

Mutation occurs when there is any form of alteration in the genetic sequence of a chromosome. During cell division, chromosomal mutation can occur. It can be in form of insertion, duplication, deletion or inversion.