Question

What does random mean and how does it apply to genetics?

Answer 1

The simplest answer would be to look at a punnet square. it gives you the random chance that a trait gets passed on to offspring. it's made off probability of dominant and recessive genes. But it's random in the end.

Answer 2

Answer: Alleles are sorted randomly into sex cells.

Explanation:

Random means that each item has an equal probability of being chosen.  

According to Mendel's two laws:

• 1st Law, the principle of segregation: Alleles (the two forms of a gene pair) segregate from each other in the formation of gametes.
• 2nd Law, the principle of independent assortment: Genes for different traits assort independently of one another in the formation of gametes.

During meiosis, crossing over occurs, which consists of the exchange of alleles between chromosomes. This happens at random and in this way, in each meiosis, totally new chromosomes are created. Then, the two chromosomes separate and end up in the newly created gametes. So which of the alleles goes into which gamete created is random. And after that, which sperm fertilises which egg is also random.