Q. How do the random distribution of chromosomes and crossovers create more variation in the resulting gametes?
When cells divide during meiosis, homologous chromosomes are randomly distributed during anaphase I, separating and segregating independently of each other. This is called independent assortment. It results in gametes that have unique combinations of chromosomes.
Q. What is the independent segregation of genes on different chromosomes during gamete formation?
What is the law of independent assortment? Mendel’s law of independent assortment states that the alleles of two (or more) different genes get sorted into gametes independently of one another. In other words, the allele a gamete receives for one gene does not influence the allele received for another gene.
Table of Contents
- Q. How do the random distribution of chromosomes and crossovers create more variation in the resulting gametes?
- Q. What is the independent segregation of genes on different chromosomes during gamete formation?
- Q. What is it called when both chromosomes have different allele variations?
- Q. What is Principles of inheritance?
- Q. What gives rise to genetic variation?
- Q. What are two main sources of genetic variation?
Q. What is it called when both chromosomes have different allele variations?
An allele is a variant form of a gene. Some genes have a variety of different forms, which are located at the same position, or genetic locus, on a chromosome. Genotypes are described as homozygous if there are two identical alleles at a particular locus and as heterozygous if the two alleles differ.
Q. What is Principles of inheritance?
Inheritance involves the passing of discrete units of inheritance, or genes, from parents to offspring. Mendel found that paired pea traits were either dominant or recessive. We now know that Mendel’s inheritance factors are genes, or more specifically alleles – different variants of the same gene.
Q. What gives rise to genetic variation?
Mutations, the changes in the sequences of genes in DNA, are one source of genetic variation. Another source is gene flow, or the movement of genes between different groups of organisms. Finally, genetic variation can be a result of sexual reproduction, which leads to the creation of new combinations of genes.
Q. What are two main sources of genetic variation?
Natural selection acts upon two major sources of genetic variation: mutations and recombination of genes through sexual reproduction.
