What is the Law of Independent Assortment?

What is the Law of Independent Assortment?

The Law of Independent Assortment is one of the important principles of genetics stated by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century based on his work with pea plants. It explains how different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop. It explains how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring and provides a basis for genetic variation and is also the fundamental of genetics and heredity....

When Does Independent Assortment Occur?

Gametes are specialized cells used in sexual reproduction and their development depends on independent assortment. This crucial step occurs during meiosis, a kind of cell division that produces four separate haploid cells. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes having the genes for the same traits, align independently at the metaphase plate. Each gamete obtains a combination of genetic material from both parents which promotes genetic variability....

Independent Assortment VS Linkage

Consider DNA as a set of instructions that shows characteristics such as the colour of the eyes or the shape of the nose. These genes are located on what are called chromosomes which are like chapters of a book. The Law of Independent Assortment is like a game in which these chapters shuffle separately during a special process called meiosis. This creates new combinations of traits which is similar to assembling many chapters to create one story. On the other hand, linkages are similar to sections of a book that are joined together on the same page. These chapters are closely connected and when these are shuffled they usually stay together....

The Reason for Independent Assortment

Independent assortment occurs during the development of gametes which are specialised cells that contain genetic material. It happens in the first phase of cell division, meiosis....

Independent Assortment in Mendel’s Experiments

Gregor Mendel, also known as the founder of modern genetics, provided the first explanation of the Law of Independent Assortment. Mendel conducted comprehensive investigations with pea plants in the 19th century and closely observed the inheritance patterns of many traits. In one of his major investigations, Mendel examined the simultaneous inheritance of seed form and colour. The two traits were controlled by different gene pairs on different chromosomes. Mendel crossed pea plants with different combinations of these traits and found that the inheritance of seed shape was different from the inheritance of seed colour....

Law of Independent Assortment Examples

To help us better understand, let’s look at several real-world examples that demonstrate the Law of Independent Assortment...

Conclusion

Law of Independent Assortment rule which is in effect during meiosis ensures that different gene pairs will be distributed randomly into gametes, producing offspring with a diverse genetic make-up. Independent assortment is a way to reorganise and mix up genetic material as opposed to linkage which is the tendency for genes on the same chromosome to be inherited together....

FAQ’s – Law of Independent Assortment

1. What is the Law of Independent Assortment?...