NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Based on T.H. Morgan's experimental observations in Drosophila , which of the following statements correctly defines the term 'linkage'?
Options
- AThe generation of non-parental gene combinations in the offspring
- BThe physical association of two or more genes on a chromosome
- CThe independent assortment of genes located on different chromosomes
- DThe mapping of gene positions using crossover frequencies
Correct answer
B. The physical association of two or more genes on a chromosome
Step-by-step solution
T.H. Morgan coined the term 'linkage' to describe the physical association of genes on a chromosome. He observed that when two genes in a dihybrid cross were situated on the same chromosome, the proportion of parental gene combinations was much higher than the non-parental type. The generation of non-parental gene combinations is termed 'recombination'. The independent assortment of genes applies to genes located on different chromosomes, which do not show linkage. The mapping of gene positions using crossover freq