When Mendel studied 7 traits for pea plants 6 of the traits

When Mendel studied 7 traits for pea plants 6 of the traits were on different chromosomes, and 2 were separated by a great distance on one chromosome. If he selected 2 traits controlled by linked genes in his initial studies, which law would be affected, his first or second law? Explain your choice.

Solution

If he selected 2 traits controlled by linked genes in his initial studies, which law would be affected, his first or second law? Explain your choice.

Mendel\'s first law

As per the law of segregation, the alleles of a given locus will segregate into separate gametes.

Mendel\'s second law

As per the law of independent assortment, the alleles of one gene sort into gametes independently of the alleles of another gene.

The second law, the law of independent assortment would be affected.

Linked genes present on the same chromosomes and they will tend to be inherited together. This violates the Law of Independent Assortment. Linkage will influence the segregation of alleles into gametes, the genes which are located close to each other physically will try to inherit together.