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1800-102-2727Ever wondered why certain traits seem to be inherited together while others appear to shuffle in new combinations? The answer lies in two important genetic processes: Linkage and Crossing Over. Learn about them in detail to know how variations occur and the same parents give birth to different offsprings.
Linkage is the tendency of genes that are located nearby on the same chromosome to be inherited together during meiosis. These genes do not assort independently, unlike those on different chromosomes.
|
Type |
Explanation |
|
Complete Linkage |
Genes are so close that they are inherited together 100% of the time. |
|
Incomplete Linkage |
Genes are close, but sometimes separated due to crossing over. |
Example: In Drosophila, the genes for body colour and wing shape show incomplete linkage.
Crossing over is a process where non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during Prophase I of meiosis. This leads to the formation of new gene combinations and genetic recombination. The point where genetic material is exchanged between non-sister chromatids is called a chiasmata.
Alt text: Chromatid over in chromosomes and the point of chiasmata describing overlap
|
Feature |
Linkage |
Crossing Over |
|
Definition |
Tendency of genes to stay together |
Exchange of genetic material |
|
Occurs Between |
Linked genes on the same chromosome |
Homologous chromosomes |
|
Effect |
Reduces genetic variation |
Increases genetic variation |
|
Stage of Meiosis |
Observed in the inheritance pattern |
Happens in prophase I |
A linkage group includes all the genes on a single chromosome. The number of linkage groups = haploid number of chromosomes (23 in humans).
Gene mapping uses recombination frequency (from crossing over) to determine the distance between genes. One map unit or centimorgan (cM) equals 1% recombination frequency.
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Box to Remember
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Linkage and crossing over are two sides of the inheritance coin. While linkage keeps genes together, crossing over breaks this bond to create variation. Together, they explain why offspring can inherit traits in both expected and unexpected combinations. Knowing how these processes work is key to understanding chromosomal behaviour during meiosis.
Q1. Can linkage occur between genes on different chromosomes?
No, linkage only occurs between genes located on the same chromosome. Genes on various chromosomes assort independently during meiosis.
Q2. Why are linked genes not always inherited together?
If the genes are far apart on the same chromosome, crossing over may occur between them, leading to new combinations (recombinants).
Q3. What is a chiasma?
A chiasma (plural: chiasmata) is the visible point of crossing over between homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.
Q4. Is it possible to measure how tightly genes are linked?
Yes, using recombination frequency. Genes with a lower recombination frequency are more tightly linked. Gene maps help represent this linkage distance.
Q5. Where does crossing over happen?
Crossing over takes place during the pachytene stage of meiosis I. It occurs at specific points called chiasmata.