Question

How does gene linkage affect inheritance?

Answer 1

Gene linkage:

1. When two genes that are present on a chromosome in close proximity are inherited together, it is referred to as genetic linkage.
2. The inheritance of the linked genes takes place during sexual reproduction in the meiosis phase.
3. Linked genes have very few chances of recombination because they do not allow any crossing over.
4. Genetic linkage results in the inheritance of two genes at the same time.
5. The major importance of genetic linkage is that it helps determine the cause of disease phenotype, whether it is due to a mutation in a single gene or a set of genes; genetic linkage also reduces the amount or extent of variation.