Which principle states that genes for different traits can segregate independently during the formation of gametes?

Which principle states that genes for different traits can segregate independently during the formation of gametes?

• A. Independent assortment
• B. Locus linkage
• C. Pleiotropy
• D. Genetic drift

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that genes for different traits can be inherited independently during gamete formation. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate and line up in such a way that the alleles on different chromosomes assort into gametes independently. This random separation creates many possible combinations of alleles in offspring, increasing genetic variation. This principle is Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment, which applies most clearly to genes on separate chromosomes or those far apart on the same chromosome, where crossing over can mix them into new combinations. Locus linkage isn’t the fit here because it describes genes that are close together on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together, reducing independent assortment. Pleiotropy refers to a single gene affecting multiple traits, not how genes segregate during gamete formation. Genetic drift is a population-level concept about random changes in allele frequencies over time, not about the mechanics of meiosis and allele segregation.

The main idea here is that genes for different traits can be inherited independently during gamete formation. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes separate and line up in such a way that the alleles on different chromosomes assort into gametes independently. This random separation creates many possible combinations of alleles in offspring, increasing genetic variation. This principle is Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment, which applies most clearly to genes on separate chromosomes or those far apart on the same chromosome, where crossing over can mix them into new combinations.

Locus linkage isn’t the fit here because it describes genes that are close together on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together, reducing independent assortment. Pleiotropy refers to a single gene affecting multiple traits, not how genes segregate during gamete formation. Genetic drift is a population-level concept about random changes in allele frequencies over time, not about the mechanics of meiosis and allele segregation.