Which of the following statements regarding gene linkage is correct?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which statement about gene linkage is correct. 
Option evaluation context is incomplete because no list of answer choices is provided to compare against. Nevertheless, we can assess the given statement on its own merits.
The statement is: 'The closer two genes are on a chromosome, the lower the probability that a crossover will occur between them.' This aligns with the fundamental principle of genetic linkage: recombination between two loci occurs due to crossing over during meiosis, but the chance of such an event between two genes decreases as the physical distance between them on the chromosome decreases. In other words, tightly linked genes (very close together) tend to be inherited together because there is less opportunity for the homologous recombination to separate them. Conversely, genes that are farther apart have a higher probability of being separated by crossing over, increasing recombination frequency.
To unpack potential misconceptions:
- If two genes are very close, many offspring will show parental combinations because crossovers between them are rare; this supports the given statement.
- If two genes are far apart, crossing over is more likely to occur between them, leading to more recombinant offspring; this would be the opposite of what the statement asserts, hence incorrect if evaluated as a general rule for distant genes.
- The concept of linkage does not imply that no crossover ever occurs; rather, it implies that the likelihood of recombination between linked loci is reduced in proportion to their proximity.
- Other factors, such as interference, chromosomal structure, or the presence of hotspots, can modulate recombination rates but do not overturn the basic distance-dependent trend between two loci.
In summary, the core idea—that shorter distance between two genes leads to a lower probability of crossing over between them—is the conventional and correct understanding of gene linkage in classical genetics.
Note: If there were multiple answer choices, we would compare each one to this principle and explain why it is correct or incorrect in light of recombination frequency and linkage concepts.

Which of the following statements regarding gene linkage is correct?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

A testcross is performed on an individual who is heterozygous for three linked traits. What phenotypes concerning the three genes will be found most often among the progeny?

What is the likely inheritance of alleles of two linked genes?

What is the likely inheritance of alleles of two linked genes?

Why are linked genes often inherited together?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler