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Linkage

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CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Linkage

The tendency of two or more genes located on the same chromosome to be inherited together and not assort independently during inheritance is called linkage.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Linkage group

All the genes present on a single chromosome that are inherited together as a unit are called a linkage group.

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Linkage value

The degree or strength with which two genes remain associated on the same chromosome during inheritance is called linkage value.

CISCE: Class 12

Linkage

Chromosomal Theory (Walter S. Sutton, 1903): Since the number of genes in an organism is much larger than the number of pairs of chromosomes, each chromosome pair must contain several genes.

Meiotic Movement: During meiosis, chromosomes move as a unit. All the genes of a chromosome go together and are transferred en bloc from one generation to another.

Independent Assortment Exception: Because they move together, genes situated on the same chromosome do not assort independently as expected according to Mendel's law of independent assortment. Only genes located on different chromosome pairs assort independently.

Linkage Groups: The group of genes that behaves as a unit is said to be linked. All the genes on a pair of homologous chromosomes collectively form a linkage group. The number of linkage groups in an organism is the same as the haploid number of chromosomes, or the number of pairs of chromosomes.

Linkage Value (T.H. Morgan): The degree or intensity with which two genes are linked together is known as linkage value. This value depends upon the distance between the linked genes on the same chromosome.

Examples

Drosophila melanogaster: This species has four linkage groups, which corresponds to n = 4 (the number of homologous pairs of chromosomes).

CISCE: Class 12

Independent Assortment vs. Linkage

Feature Independent Assortment Linkage
Gene Location Genes are located on different homologous chromosomes. Genes are located closely on the same chromosome.
Inheritance Pattern Genes separate and are inherited independently. Genes move as a single unit and are inherited together.
Offspring Variations Produces both parental and new (recombinant) trait combinations. Produces strictly parental trait combinations (no recombinants).
Dihybrid F2 Ratio Classic 9:3:3:1 ratio 3:1 ratio (in cases of complete linkage)
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Linkage

  • Linkage is the tendency of genes on the same chromosome to remain together.
  • Chromosomes move as a unit during meiosis, transferring genes en bloc.
  • Genes on the same chromosome do not follow independent assortment.
  • The number of linkage groups equals the haploid number of chromosomes.
  • The linkage value depends on the distance between genes on a chromosome.
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