What does the Law of Independent Assortment state?

What does the Law of Independent Assortment state?

• A. Genes are passed as a set
• B. Traits are inherited independently of other traits
• C. All alleles are dominant
• D. Chromosomes segregate equally

Answer: (B)

The Law of Independent Assortment, formulated by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants, states that the distribution of alleles for one gene does not influence the distribution of alleles for another gene during the formation of gametes. This means that traits are inherited independently of one another. For example, the gene for seed shape segregates independently of the gene for seed color, leading to a variety of combinations in the offspring. This principle only applies when the genes are located on different chromosomes or are far apart on the same chromosome, allowing for the independent segregation of alleles during meiosis. The other options do not correctly capture the essence of this law. The assertion that genes are passed as a set relates more to linked genes, while the statements about all alleles being dominant and chromosomes segregating equally do not accurately define the principles of independent assortment.

The Law of Independent Assortment, formulated by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants, states that the distribution of alleles for one gene does not influence the distribution of alleles for another gene during the formation of gametes. This means that traits are inherited independently of one another. For example, the gene for seed shape segregates independently of the gene for seed color, leading to a variety of combinations in the offspring. This principle only applies when the genes are located on different chromosomes or are far apart on the same chromosome, allowing for the independent segregation of alleles during meiosis.

The other options do not correctly capture the essence of this law. The assertion that genes are passed as a set relates more to linked genes, while the statements about all alleles being dominant and chromosomes segregating equally do not accurately define the principles of independent assortment.