Genetic Linkage
In the meiosis stage of sexual reproduction, DNA sequences that are near to one another on a chromosome tend to be inherited together. Physical proximity between two genetic markers makes it less probable that they would split into separate chromatids during the chromosomal crossover, and as a result, they are said to be more related than markers that are physically far apart. In other words, the likelihood that two genes will be inherited jointly increases with increasing proximity between them on a chromosome.
Although there is no connection between markers on different chromosomes, the penetrance of potentially harmful alleles may be influenced by the presence of other alleles, and these other alleles may be found on different chromosomes than the one on which a particular potentially harmful allele is located.
Genetic Linkage
The tendency of genes on a chromosome to stick together during chromosomal inheritance is known as linkage. Contrarily, crossing over is the process through which genetic material from homologous chromosomes is exchanged to create a new gene combination. Linkage creates parental types and aids in the preservation of a better new variety.
Significance of Linkage
- For upcoming generations, it helps in restoring the paternal genes
- It’s important to preserve a newly developed variety’s positive trait
- It is essential for determining a plant’s capacity for hybridization.