Question

How is gene linkage an exception to the law of independent assortment?

Answer 1

Law of independent assortment:

1. Mendel's law of independent assortment states that the alleles of two (or more) different genes get sorted into gametes independently of one another.
2. This law applies only to those genes which are located on separate chromosomes

Exception:

1. Although linkage is an exception to this law as two genes are situated on the same chromosome, the case changes when there is a crossing over of chromosomes.
2. Two different genes situated close together on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together. This phenomenon is called linkage.
3. The isolation of alleles into gametes can be under the influence of linkage.
4. But, due to the process of crossover or recombination, there is a chance for two genes on the same chromosome to behave independently or as if it is linked.