What is the process called when alleles separate during the formation of gametes?

The process when alleles separate during the formation of gametes is known as segregation. This is a fundamental principle of genetics that was first described by Gregor Mendel in his pea plant experiments. During gamete formation, specifically in meiosis, the pairs of alleles for a trait separate so that each gamete carries only one allele for each gene. This random assortment of alleles ensures genetic diversity in the resulting offspring when gametes unite during fertilization.

Crossing over, another genetic process, involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to new combinations of alleles but does not specifically refer to the separation of alleles. Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence, which can create new alleles, while translocation describes a chromosomal abnormality where a segment of one chromosome is transferred to another chromosome, neither of which is related to the segregation of alleles during gamete formation. Thus, segregation is the accurate term for this essential genetic process.