When do genes assort independently

Genes that are located on separate non-homologous chromosomes will always sort independently. However, each chromosome contains hundreds or thousands of genes organized linearly on chromosomes like beads on a string. The segregation of alleles into gametes can be influenced by linkage, in which genes that are located physically close to each other on the same chromosome are more likely to be inherited as a pair.

Homologous chromosomes possess the same genes in the same linear order. The alleles may differ on homologous chromosome pairs, but the genes to which they correspond do not.

In preparation for the first division of meiosis, homologous chromosomes replicate and synapse. Like genes on the homologs align with each other. Got a question about homologous chromosome? Even though genes that are found on the same chromosome or linked genes are not randomly assorted, crossing over that takes place during meiosis allows such genes to rearrange.

During this process, the exchange of homologous parts of chromosomes occurs in both maternal and paternal chromosomes to ensure the independent assortment of linked genes as well. As a result, different gene combinations create great variety among individuals due to the production of gene mixtures that were not previously found.

In the end, the zygote has a mix of chromosomes and not a defined set of specific traits from each parent. Since the number of chromosomes in each gamete is 23 and the number of gametes is 2; thus, the number of possible combinations is 2 23 , or 8,, This number of possibilities allows for great variability in progeny genes.

This gene variation has a great effect on evolution and evolutionary processes. The Law of Independent Assortment states that the process of random segregation and assortment of pairs of alleles during gamete formation will result in the production of gametes with all possible combinations of alleles in equal numbers.

It is expressed in the inheritance of two or more different traits associated with different genes. It is one of the principles of inheritance of Gregor Mendel based on his work in garden peas. After the rediscovery of his work, they were accepted and referred to as the Mendelian Laws.

What does independent assortment mean? The law of independent assortment means that separate traits of different alleles are inherited by the zygote independently from each other. Where the random selection of one allele for a certain trait is not connected by any means to the selection of another allele for a different trait. What is an independent assortment? Independent assortment states that the inheritance of various genes occurs independently of each other. In the law of independent assortment, the combination of genes and their probability is calculated and assumed by multiplying the probabilities of each gene.

Moreover, the probability of having one gene does not influence the probability of having the other. What stage of meiosis does independent assortment occur? Independent assortment in meiosis takes place in eukaryotes during metaphase I of meiotic division. It produces a gamete carrying mixed chromosomes. Gametes contain half the number of regular chromosomes in a diploid somatic cell. Thus, gametes are haploid cells that can undergo sexual reproduction at which two haploid gametes are fused together forming a diploid zygote having the complete set of chromosomes.

The physical basis is the random distribution of chromosomes during the metaphase in relation to other chromosomes. Why is independent assortment important? Independent assortment is responsible for the production of new genetic combinations in the organism along with crossing over. Thus, it contributes to genetic diversity among eukaryotes. Thomas Hunt Morgan. The fly geneticist and his remarkable findings.

Key Questions Who discovered gene linkage? What is sex linkage in flies? How can we use linkage to map genes in a chromosome? What do scientists like to argue about? Key Concepts linkage complete linkage physical linkage incomplete linkage. Topic rooms within Genetics Close. No topic rooms are there. Browse Visually. Other Topic Rooms Genetics. Student Voices. Creature Cast. Simply Science. Green Screen. Green Science. Bio 2. The Success Code. Why Science Matters. The Beyond. Plant ChemCast.

Postcards from the Universe. Brain Metrics. Mind Read. Eyes on Environment. During meiosis, the pairs of homologous chromosome are divided in half to form haploid cells, and this separation, or assortment, of homologous chromosomes is random.

This means that all of the maternal chromosomes will not be separated into one cell, while the all paternal chromosomes are separated into another. Instead, after meiosis occurs, each haploid cell contains a mixture of genes from the organism's mother and father. Another feature of of independent assortment is recombination. Recombination occurs during meiosis and is a process that breaks and recombines pieces of DNA to produce new combinations of genes.

Recombination scrambles pieces of maternal and paternal genes, which ensures that genes assort independently from one another.