Question

How can we say that there is a complete parallelism between the behavior of Mendelian factors and chromosomes??Please answer first...

Answer 1

The complete parallelism between the behaviour of Mendelian factors and chromosomes can be summarised as follows:

1. Mendel assumed that hereditary factors exist in pairs. It is now established that chromosomes also occur in pairs in the cells of the body.

2. In the law of segregation (law of purity of gametes), he proposed the idea of separation of paired factors during the formation of gametes. It is now known that the paired homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis in such a way that each gamete receives one chromosome of each homologous pair.

3. ​Through the law of independent assortment, Mendel proposed the idea that the factors responsible for traits of each pair are independent of every other pair in the process of their distribution into the gametes . It is now known that during meiosis, the chromosomes of various homologous pairs assort at random so that the chromosomes of each pair segregate independently of the chromosomes of every other pair.

4.​According to Mendel among pair of factors, one factor each was inherited from both parents, Our todays understanding confirms that we receive one half of chromosomes from mother and other half from father. It is now known that the homologous chromosomes from the two parents come together in the zygote as result of fusion of male and female gametes.

5. Mendel also had the view that characters are not lost completely, even when they do not express. They remain as recessive characters which might express in future generations. In the same way, the chromosomes retain their structure and identity throughout the life of an organism, irrespective of whether they are noticeable or not.