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Linkage And Crossing Over

Linkage And Crossing Over

Ever 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.

What is Linkage?

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.

Types of Linkage

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.

What is Crossing Over?

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.

Linkage and Crossing Over.

Alt text: Chromatid over in chromosomes and the point of chiasmata describing overlap

Importance of Crossing Over

  • Increases genetic variation.
  • Helps in gene mapping (estimating the distance between genes based on recombination frequency).
  • Provides physical proof for the chromosomal theory of inheritance.

Difference Between Linkage and Crossing Over

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

Linkage Group and Gene Mapping

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.

Box to Remember

  • Linkage: genes travel together
  • Crossing over: genes swap parts
  • The closer the genes, the stronger the linkage
  • The farther the genes, the higher the chance of crossing over
  • 100% linkage is rare in nature

Summing Up

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.

FAQs

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.

 

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