Question

Define independent assortment within the framework of meiosis. What impact does homologous recombination have on the principle of independent assortment?

Answer 1

Answer:

The law of independent assortment states that the different genes get separated independently of each other and gets assorted into gametes to produce different combination of genes.

It was formulates by famous scientist G. Mendel based on his work on peas.

For example, in a traditional dihybrid cross of true breeding round and yellow seed plant with wrinkled and green seed plant, F2 generation show four different combinations of phenotype:

• round and yellow
• round and green
• wrinkled and yellow
• wrinkled and green

It shows that genes for round and yellow were independently inherited and genes for wrinkled and green were independently inherited. Else, new combinations could not be observed.

Homologous recombination is an event that takes place in prophase I during meiosis. The genetic material is exchanged between the non-sister chromtids of homologous chromosomes. It adds into the genetic variation within a population by producing more combination of genes in the gametes.

It does not violate the law of independent assortment as the genes were independently assorted. It only helps in producing more combinations of genes.