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Types of Linkage > Complete Linkage

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CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Complete linkage

The condition in which genes located very close together on the same chromosome are inherited together without separation due to the absence of crossing over is called complete linkage.

CISCE: Class 12

Complete Linkage

Complete linkage occurs when genes for particular traits are located so closely on the same chromosome that they do not separate during inheritance.

  • Mechanism: These genes are inherited together across generations due to the complete absence of crossing over.
  • Result: Only parental trait combinations are inherited; no new (recombinant) trait combinations are formed.
  • Occurrence: This phenomenon is considered very rare in nature.
CISCE: Class 12

Morgan's Drosophila Experiment (1920)

Thomas Hunt Morgan demonstrated complete linkage using male Drosophila (fruit flies).

  • Parental Cross: A cross is made between a male with dominant traits (grey body and long wings, BV/BV) and a female with two recessive traits (black body and vestigial wings, bv/bv).
  • F1 Generation: All F1 hybrids resemble the male parent (grey body and long wings, BV/bv).
  • Test Cross: An F1 male is then test-crossed with a double-recessive female (black body, vestigial wings).
  • Observation: Under independent assortment, four kinds of offspring in equal numbers are expected. However, only two types of offspring are produced. These offspring perfectly resemble the original grandparents.
  • Conclusion: The genes for grey body and long wings do not separate; they are linked together and exhibit complete linkage.

Complete linkage in Drosophila fly:

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Complete Linkage

  • Complete linkage takes place when genes for specific traits are located so closely on the same chromosome that they remain together during inheritance.
  • This process occurs because there is an absolute lack of crossing over between these particular genes as gametes are formed.
  • As a result of this tight connection, only the original parental combinations of traits are passed down to offspring, meaning no new trait variations are created.
  • Although it is a foundational concept in genetic inheritance, true complete linkage is very rarely observed in natural environments.
  • The most prominent demonstration of this was in 1920 by T.H. Morgan, who showed that test-crossing certain fruit flies produced only parental trait combinations instead of the standard varied outcomes expected from independent assortment.
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