Question

Which of the following statements is not true of two genes that show $50\%$ recombination frequency?

• A. The genes may be on different chromosomes
• B. The genes are tighly linked
• C. The genes show independent assortment
• D. If the genes are present on the same chromosome, they undergo more than one crossovers in every meiosis

Answer 1

The correct option is B The genes are tighly linked

If two genes are tightly linked on a chromosome, then their sequences are identical to that found in their parent. Hence, these tightly linked genes are 100% parental type and have a recombination frequency of 0.
A recombination frequency of 50% indicates that the genes undergo independent assortment and are either located on nonhomologous chromosomes or are located far apart on a single chromosome. As the distance between two genes increases, the crossover frequency increases and thus, a larger number of recombinant gametes are obtained compared to parental gametes.