Explain linkage and recombination .

Linkage

Morgan noted that while crossing a set of characters, two genes did not follow Mendel’s law as they did not divide as per the law. The likelihood of achieving a parental combination if two genes are situated on the same chromosome was relatively higher in the subsequent generation in comparison to the non-parental combination. The physical connection of genes was referred to as linkage.

Genes are said to be linked when genes for different traits are located in similar chromosome and hence are tied to each other. It is a deviation from the Mendelian principle of independent assortment that is appropriate to be applied to the genes that are situated on different chromosomes.

The term genetic recombination described the non-parental gene combinations in a dihybrid cross.

Genetic Recombination

When genetic material is exchanged between two different chromosomes or between different regions of the same chromosome, it is known as genetic recombination. It is observed in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. It increases the genetic diversity of the sexually reproducing organisms.