Law of independent assortment

Definition

The law of independent assortment states that alleles for different genes segregate independently of one another during gamete formation. This principle applies to genes located on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1. The law of independent assortment was first formulated by Gregor Mendel based on his pea plant experiments.
2. 2. It explains the genetic variation observed in offspring due to the random arrangement of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
3. 3. Independent assortment occurs during Metaphase I of meiosis when homologous chromosome pairs align randomly at the cell's equator.
4. 4. This law is applicable only to genes that are not linked, meaning they are located on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome.
5. 5. The phenotypic ratio predicted by this law for a dihybrid cross (two traits) is typically 9:3:3:1 if both parents are heterozygous for both traits.

Review Questions

• 1. What stage of meiosis does independent assortment occur?
• 2. How does the law of independent assortment contribute to genetic diversity?
• 3. Why does the law of independent assortment not apply to linked genes?

Related terms

Allele: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome

Dihybrid Cross: A genetic cross between individuals with different alleles for two gene loci

Phenotypic Ratio: The ratio of different phenotypes produced in a genetic cross