Genes segregate independently only if they

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Let's analyze each option in turn to understand why some are incorrect and why one is correct.
Option 1: 'are on the same chromosome.' If two genes are located close together on the same chromosome, they tend to be inherited together and do not assort independently in a straightforward Mendelian way. This linkage reduces independent assortment unless crossing over occurs, so this statement is not generally true for independent segregation.
Option 2: 'are on different chromosomes.' This aligns with Mendel's law of independent assortment: genes located on different chromosomes segregate independently during meiosis because they sort into gametes without influencing each other. This is the classic condition for independent assortment.
Option 3: 'exhibit crossing over.' Crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes during meiosis and can shuffle alleles between linked genes, which can restore some independent variation. However, crossing over itself is not the requirement for independent assortment; independent assortment is primarily due to the segregation of different chromosomes. Thus, this statement is incomplete for explaining independence and can be misleading.
Option 4: 'have one dominant allele and one recessive allele.' The dominance relationship of alleles affects phenotype, not whether genes assort independently. A gene pair with dominant/recessive alleles can still be linked on the same chromosome and fail to segregate independently. Therefore, this option does not describe the mechanism of independent assortment.
In summary, the statement that correctly captures the condition under which genes segregate independently is that they are on different chromosomes, because this physical separation enables their alleles to assort independently during gamete formation.

BIOL 1009 (001-006/050-055) Midterm Exam II

Genes segregate independently only if they

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