The exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes is called

The exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes is called crossing-over. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and form structures called bivalents. Within these bivalents, sections of DNA can break and then rejoin with the corresponding section on the homologous chromosome. This process can result in the exchange of genetic information between the two chromosomes, leading to the creation of new combinations of genes. Crossing-over is an important mechanism of genetic recombination, which increases the genetic diversity of offspring. It is not to be confused with other genetic terms such as test cross, back cross, or mutation, which refer to different genetic phenomena.