Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage
Multiple Cross Overs and Interference
Problem 14d
Textbook Question
In Drosophila, a cross was made between females, all expressing the three X-linked recessive traits scute bristles (sc), sable body (s), and vermilion eyes (v)—and wild-type males. In the F₁, all females were wild type, while all males expressed all three mutant traits. The cross was carried to the F₂ generation, and 1000 offspring were counted, with the results shown in the following table.

No determination of sex was made in the data. Calculate the coefficient of coincidence. Does it represent positive or negative interference?

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Step 1: Understand the problem. The goal is to calculate the coefficient of coincidence (C) and determine whether interference is positive or negative. The coefficient of coincidence is calculated as the ratio of observed double crossovers to expected double crossovers. Interference (I) is then calculated as I = 1 - C. Positive interference occurs when fewer double crossovers are observed than expected, and negative interference occurs when more are observed.
Step 2: Identify the parental, single crossover, and double crossover phenotypes from the data. Parental phenotypes are the most frequent (sc s v and + + +), single crossover phenotypes are intermediate in frequency (+ s v, sc + +, sc + v, + s +), and double crossover phenotypes are the least frequent (sc s + and + + v).
Step 3: Calculate the recombination frequencies for each interval. Use the formula: recombination frequency = (number of recombinant offspring in the interval / total offspring) × 100. For example, calculate the recombination frequency between sc and s, and between s and v.
Step 4: Calculate the expected number of double crossovers. Multiply the recombination frequencies (as decimals) for the two intervals and then multiply by the total number of offspring (1000). This gives the expected number of double crossover offspring.
Step 5: Calculate the coefficient of coincidence (C) as C = (observed double crossovers / expected double crossovers). Then calculate interference (I) as I = 1 - C. Based on the value of I, determine whether interference is positive (I > 0) or negative (I < 0).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
X-linked Inheritance
X-linked inheritance refers to the pattern of inheritance for genes located on the X chromosome. In Drosophila, traits that are X-linked can exhibit different phenotypes in males and females due to the presence of one or two X chromosomes. Males, having one X and one Y chromosome, express X-linked traits directly, while females, with two X chromosomes, can be carriers or express traits depending on the alleles present.
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X-Inactivation
Genetic Linkage and Recombination
Genetic linkage occurs when genes are located close to each other on the same chromosome, leading to their alleles being inherited together more often than not. Recombination, or crossing over, can separate linked genes during meiosis, resulting in new allele combinations. The degree of linkage can be quantified using the coefficient of coincidence, which compares observed double crossovers to expected double crossovers based on individual crossover frequencies.
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Chi Square and Linkage
Coefficient of Coincidence
The coefficient of coincidence (C) is a measure used in genetics to determine the degree of interference in crossover events during meiosis. It is calculated by dividing the observed number of double crossovers by the expected number based on the individual crossover frequencies. A C value less than 1 indicates positive interference (fewer double crossovers than expected), while a value greater than 1 indicates negative interference (more double crossovers than expected).
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Multiple Cross Overs and Interference
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Related Practice
Multiple Choice
Which of the following genetic phenomena is most directly influenced by the occurrence of multiple crossovers during meiosis?
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