Which concept explains that genes for different traits can segregate independently during gamete formation?

Which concept explains that genes for different traits can segregate independently during gamete formation?

• A. Two-factor cross
• B. Inheritance
• C. Independent assortment
• D. Probability

Answer: (C)

Independent assortment explains that genes for different traits separate into gametes independently during meiosis. During the formation of gametes, the way one gene’s alleles segregate does not influence how another gene’s alleles segregate, because homologous chromosomes align and separate in random orientations. This random sorting creates new combinations of alleles, so unlinked genes end up in gametes independently. For example, a dihybrid with alleles for two genes on different chromosomes produces four equally likely gamete types (AB, Ab, aB, ab), which leads to phenotypes showing the independent inheritance of these traits. If genes are linked on the same chromosome, they don’t always assort independently unless crossing over occurs between them. The other options aren’t the mechanism themselves: a two-factor cross is a method to test for independence, inheritance is a broad term for trait transmission, and probability is the math used to predict outcomes rather than the biological process.

Independent assortment explains that genes for different traits separate into gametes independently during meiosis. During the formation of gametes, the way one gene’s alleles segregate does not influence how another gene’s alleles segregate, because homologous chromosomes align and separate in random orientations. This random sorting creates new combinations of alleles, so unlinked genes end up in gametes independently. For example, a dihybrid with alleles for two genes on different chromosomes produces four equally likely gamete types (AB, Ab, aB, ab), which leads to phenotypes showing the independent inheritance of these traits. If genes are linked on the same chromosome, they don’t always assort independently unless crossing over occurs between them. The other options aren’t the mechanism themselves: a two-factor cross is a method to test for independence, inheritance is a broad term for trait transmission, and probability is the math used to predict outcomes rather than the biological process.