Law of Segregation

Definition

The Law of Segregation states that during the formation of sex cells (gametes), the pairs of hereditary traits (alleles) become separated, so that each sex cell carries only one kind of allele.

Related terms

Allele: A version or form of a gene.

Gamete: A mature sexual reproductive cell that combines with another cell to create new life.

Meiosis: The process where a single cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information. These cells are our sex cells – sperm in males, eggs in females.