Question

State the relationship between linkage and crossing over.

Answer 1

In fact, linkage describes the occurrence of genes on the same chromosome and recombination describes the mixing up of genesbetween homologous chromosomes during meiosis via the process calledcrossing over. Genes that are located close together in the same chromosome is known as linked genes.

Answer 2

Linkage:

1. It is tendency of genes in a chromosome to remain together and pass as such to the next generation.

2. It produces parental types.

3. Strength of linkage between two genes increases if they are closely placed in a chromosome.

4. With increase in age linkage increases.

5. It helps to maintain a newly improved variety.

Crossing Over:

1. It is exchange of genes/chromosomal parts to break established linkages and formation of new linkages.

2. It produces re-combinations.

3. Frequency of crossing over between two genes decreases if they are closely placed.

4. Crossing over decreases with age.

5. It is the source of variations for producing new varieties.