Question

Two genes are located on non-sister chromatids of non-homologous chromosomes. Which of the following is true about them?

• A. They have a greater chance of crossing over
• B. They have a greater chance of being inherited together
• C. They have a greater chance of independent assortment
• D. Only one of the genes would be inherited based on the size of chromosomes

Answer 1

The correct option is C They have a greater chance of independent assortment

Chromosomes are the condensed form of DNA. Chromatid refers to one of the copies of the replicated chromosome. The two chromatids of the same chromosome are referred to as sister chromatids. The chromatids of homologous chromosomes or non-homologous chromosomes are referred to as non-sister chromatids. Homologous chromosomes are similar in their morphology and also contains the genes at the same loci. Non-homologous chromosomes differ morphologically and genetically.

In the question we are given that the 2 genes under study are located on non-sister chromatids of non-homologous chromosomes. In this case, the genes have a greater chance of independent assortment. The inheritance of alleles of one gene is independent of the inheritance of the alleles of the other.

Crossing over occurs only between homologous chromosomes. Inheritance of genes is independent of the size of the chromosomes that carry them.