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Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

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Estimated time: 10 minutes
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

The Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance states that genes - the units of heredity - are physically located on chromosomes, and it is the behaviour of chromosomes during meiosis that provides the physical (cytological) basis for Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment.

Also known as: The Sutton–Boveri Theory of Inheritance.​

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Historical Background

Timeline:

Year Scientist Contribution
1866 Gregor Mendel Published laws of inheritance; went unrecognised
1887–1892 Theodor Boveri Observed chromosome number halved as egg cells matured; studied sea urchin eggs
1900 de Vries, Correns, von Tschermak Independently rediscovered Mendel's work
1902 Walter Sutton Observed chromosome separation in grasshopper (Brachystola magna) during meiosis; published chromosomal theory
1902 Theodor Boveri Independently proposed same theory from sea urchin studies
1903 Walter Sutton Published "The Chromosomes in Heredity" - formal paper linking Mendel's laws to chromosome behaviour
1910 Thomas Hunt Morgan Provided first experimental proof using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies)
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Postulates of the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

The following postulates were proposed by Sutton and Boveri (1902–1903):

No. Postulate Connection to Mendel's Laws
1 Genes are located on chromosomes at specific positions called loci. Chromosomes are the physical carriers of Mendelian factors. Physical basis for the existence of "factors"
2 Chromosomes (and genes) occur in pairs in diploid organisms. One chromosome of each pair comes from the mother; one from the father. Basis of allele pairs in diploid organisms
3 During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate and each gamete receives only one chromosome from each pair (haploid gametes). Explains Law of Segregation
4 During gamete formation, different pairs of homologous chromosomes assort independently of other pairs. Explains Law of Independent Assortment
5 Male and female gametes (sperm and egg) each carry half the chromosomal complement. Despite differing in size and morphology, both contribute equal numbers of chromosomes to the offspring. Explains equal parental contribution
6 During fertilisation, gametic chromosomes combine and the diploid number is restored in the offspring. Ensures genetic continuity across generations
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

  • Mendel's work (1866) was unrecognised until 1900, when Hugo de Vries, Correns, and von Tschermak independently rediscovered it.
  • Sutton and Boveri (1903) proposed the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance; chromosomes are carriers of genetic material.
  • Homologous chromosomes pair, segregate, and assort independently during meiosis; each gamete gets only one chromosome from a pair.
  • Male and female gametes carry hereditary traits and are the link between parents and offspring; their fusion restores the diploid number.
  • Genes and chromosomes always occur in pairs in diploid organisms; alleles segregate along with chromosomes during gamete formation.

Video Tutorials

We have provided more than 1 series of video tutorials for some topics to help you get a better understanding of the topic.

Series 1


Series 2


Shaalaa.com | Homologous and Heterologous Chromosomes, Allele

Shaalaa.com


Next video


Shaalaa.com


Homologous and Heterologous Chromosomes, Allele [00:12:28]
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