Which of the following statements is correct? The law of independent assortment describes the behavior of two or more genes relative to one another. The law of segregation describes the behavior of two or more genes relative to one another. The law of independent assortment is accounted for by observations of prophase of meiosis. The law of segregation is accounted for by observations of telophase of mitosis. The laws of segregation and independent assortment are different names for the same law.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer:
The law of independent assortment describes the behavior of two or more genes relative to one another.
Explanation:
Mendel’s two fundamental principles of inheritance are the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment. These laws describe how alleles (different forms of a gene) behave during the formation of gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.
The law of segregation states that during the formation of gametes (egg or sperm cells), the two alleles for a single gene separate from each other. Each gamete receives only one allele. This law explains the inheritance of a single trait and is supported by the events observed during anaphase I of meiosis, when homologous chromosomes (each carrying one allele) are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
On the other hand, the law of independent assortment describes the inheritance pattern of two or more genes located on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome. According to this law, alleles of different genes assort into gametes independently of one another. This principle is observed during metaphase I of meiosis, when homologous chromosome pairs align randomly at the metaphase plate, leading to a variety of allele combinations in the resulting gametes.
The other choices are incorrect for the following reasons:
- The law of segregation does not describe the behavior of two or more genes. It applies to one gene at a time.
- The law of independent assortment is not associated with prophase of meiosis, but rather with metaphase I.
- The law of segregation is not accounted for by telophase of mitosis, since Mendel’s laws apply to meiosis, not mitosis.
- The two laws are distinct, not two names for the same concept.
In summary, the law of independent assortment correctly describes how two or more genes are inherited relative to one another.
