Which statement correctly distinguishes linkage from independent assortment?

Which statement correctly distinguishes linkage from independent assortment?

• A. Linked genes are on different chromosomes and segregate independently.
• B. Linked genes are close on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together; independent assortment occurs when genes are on different chromosomes and segregate independently.
• C. DNA replication occurs.
• D. Genes on the same chromosome never show recombination.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how physical arrangement of genes on chromosomes shapes how they are inherited. Linked genes are located close to each other on the same chromosome, so they tend to be passed on together as a unit during meiosis. Crossing‑over can occur, creating some new combos, but the likelihood is low, so those genes are usually inherited as a pair. Independent assortment describes genes that are on different chromosomes (or far apart on the same chromosome), where the orientation of chromosome pairs during meiosis I leads to random, equal mixing of alleles in the gametes. Therefore, the correct statement captures that linked genes stay together on the same chromosome and are inherited together, while independent assortment applies when genes are on different chromosomes and segregate independently. The other options introduce concepts (like DNA replication) or absolute claims about recombination that don’t fit this distinction.

The idea being tested is how physical arrangement of genes on chromosomes shapes how they are inherited. Linked genes are located close to each other on the same chromosome, so they tend to be passed on together as a unit during meiosis. Crossing‑over can occur, creating some new combos, but the likelihood is low, so those genes are usually inherited as a pair. Independent assortment describes genes that are on different chromosomes (or far apart on the same chromosome), where the orientation of chromosome pairs during meiosis I leads to random, equal mixing of alleles in the gametes.

Therefore, the correct statement captures that linked genes stay together on the same chromosome and are inherited together, while independent assortment applies when genes are on different chromosomes and segregate independently. The other options introduce concepts (like DNA replication) or absolute claims about recombination that don’t fit this distinction.