Question

How does linkage relate to Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment?

Options

• Linkage applies only to sex-linked traits

• Linkage supports the law for all genes

• Linkage has no relationship to the law

• Linkage contradicts the law for genes on the same chromosome

Answer 1

Linkage contradicts Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment, but only for genes located on the same chromosome. Genes on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together rather than assorting independently. However, crossing over during meiosis can separate linked genes, explaining partial independent assortment.