Textbook Question
An organism having the genotype AaBbCcDdEe is self-fertilized. Assuming the five genes assort independently, determine the following proportions:
Gametes that are expected to carry only dominant alleles.
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3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance
Understanding Independent Assortment
Multiple Choice
Why are linked genes often inherited together?
A
Because they are always dominant over other genes.
B
Because they are always located on different chromosomes and assort independently.
C
Because they are only expressed in the presence of environmental factors.
D
Because they are located close to each other on the same chromosome, reducing the likelihood of crossing over separating them.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of linked genes: Linked genes are genes that are located close to each other on the same chromosome.
Recall that during meiosis, homologous chromosomes can exchange segments in a process called crossing over, which can separate genes that are far apart on the same chromosome.
Recognize that when genes are close together, the probability of a crossover event occurring between them is low, so they tend to be inherited together.
Contrast this with genes on different chromosomes, which assort independently according to Mendel's law of independent assortment.
Conclude that linked genes are often inherited together because their physical proximity on the same chromosome reduces the chance that crossing over will separate them.
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