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
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance

Understanding Independent Assortment

Genetics

3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance

Understanding Independent Assortment

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains how independent assortment occurs during meiosis and why it is important for genetic variation?

DNA replication during interphase ensures that each gamete has a unique set of alleles.

Sister chromatids are separated during anaphase I, ensuring that each gamete receives only one copy of each gene.

Homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed to daughter cells during metaphase I, resulting in new combinations of maternal and paternal alleles in gametes.

Crossing over between non-homologous chromosomes during prophase II creates genetic diversity.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand that independent assortment refers to the random distribution of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis, which contributes to genetic variation.

Recall that during metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosome pairs (each consisting of one maternal and one paternal chromosome) align randomly along the metaphase plate.

Recognize that this random alignment means the orientation of each pair is independent of others, leading to different combinations of chromosomes being segregated into daughter cells.

Note that this process results in gametes with unique combinations of maternal and paternal alleles, increasing genetic diversity in offspring.

Distinguish independent assortment from other processes such as DNA replication, separation of sister chromatids, and crossing over, understanding that independent assortment specifically involves the random distribution of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I.