Genetic variation in bacterial populations cannot result from

Meiosis

Explanation:

Gene recombination refers to the mixture of genes from different individuals that occurs during sexual reproduction. Gene recombination is responsible for mixing between genes, which results in genetic variation in a bacterial population.

Genetic variability in a bacterial population occurs through three types of mechanisms: transformation, conjugation and transduction. However this genetic variation does not occur through Meiosis.

Transformation is the incorporation of free DNA by the bacterial cell. Conjugation is the process of transferring DNA from one bacterium to another, involving contact between the two cells. Transduction is the transfer of genetic material between cells, mediated by bacteriophages.