Which of the following statements correctly describes one difference between the law of independent assortment and the law of segregation?
- The law of segregation explains the segregation of two or more genes relative to one another
- The law of independent assortment explains the segregation of two or more genes relative to one another.
- The law of segregation requires having two or more generations to describe.
- The law of segregation is accounted for by anaphase of mitosis.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
2. The law of independent assortment explains the segregation of two or more genes relative to one another.
Explanation:
The law of segregation and the law of independent assortment are fundamental principles of genetics established by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants. Here’s a detailed explanation of the difference between the two:
Law of Segregation:
- This law states that each individual organism carries two alleles for a given trait (one from each parent), and these alleles segregate (separate) during the formation of gametes (e.g., sperm or egg cells). As a result, each gamete receives only one allele for each gene.
- This principle is based on the behavior of homologous chromosomes during anaphase I of meiosis, where the alleles for a single gene are separated.
- Importantly, the law of segregation applies to the inheritance of a single gene and does not involve interactions between multiple genes.
Law of Independent Assortment:
- This law states that alleles for different genes (located on different chromosomes) assort independently of one another during gamete formation. For example, the inheritance of one trait (e.g., seed shape) does not influence the inheritance of another trait (e.g., seed color).
- This principle is explained by the random alignment of homologous chromosomes on the metaphase plate during metaphase I of meiosis. It applies only to genes on separate chromosomes or genes far apart on the same chromosome (due to recombination).
- The law of independent assortment is crucial when considering the segregation of two or more genes relative to one another.
Why Answer 2 is Correct:
- Answer 2 highlights the primary distinction: the law of independent assortment deals specifically with the segregation of two or more genes relative to each other, whereas the law of segregation focuses on how alleles of a single gene segregate.