Why don't linked genes exhibit independent assortment? |...

Name: Problem 5, Chapter 16: Biology: How Life Works
Uploaded: 2022-02-22T04:49:38-08:00
Duration: 1 min 52 s
Channel: Khalida Dawar
Description: Why don't linked genes exhibit independent assortment?

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Key Concepts

Genetic Linkage

Genetic linkage refers to the phenomenon where genes that are located close to each other on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together. This physical proximity means that during meiosis, the chromosomes are more likely to pass on linked genes as a unit, rather than separating them independently, which is why linked genes do not exhibit independent assortment.

Independent Assortment

Independent assortment is a principle of Mendelian genetics that states that alleles of genes on different chromosomes segregate into gametes independently of each other. However, this principle does not apply to genes that are physically linked on the same chromosome, as their proximity prevents them from independently assorting during gamete formation.

Recombination and Crossing Over

Recombination, often facilitated by crossing over during meiosis, is a process where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. While recombination can break the pattern of genetic linkage by separating linked alleles, its frequency depends on the physical distance between genes. Thus, if genes are very close together, recombination is rare and they largely remain linked, further explaining why they do not follow independent assortment.

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