The key difference between complementation and recombination is that complementation is the ability of two mutants in combination to restore a normal phenotype while recombination is the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes, resulting in physical alterations in chromosomes.
Complementation and recombination are two concepts that produce genetically different organisms. Complementation restores the normal phenotype when two mutants combine while recombination gives rise to an organism with altered a genetic makeup due to the exchange of genetic material between organisms.
