Question

Mendelian recombinations are due to
a. Linkage
b. Independent assortment of genes
c. Mutations
d. Dominant characters

Answer 1

Recombination occurs between two genes and causes variation in the organisms. It occurs during fertilization. Linkage occurs between genes on the same chromosome. Mutations refer to inheritable changes in genes. Dominant genes expressed in the offspring and suppress the effect of recessive genes.

Complete answer:
The process of cell division or meiosis occurs to form gametes. It can also result in the recombination of genes. By the process of meiosis the pieces of DNA break and recombine to produce a new combination of genes. Genes recombine which ensures that genes assort independently from one another.

Mendel gives three laws of inheritance. While performing Dihybrid cross, he discovers the third law of inheritance. It states that two factors of each trait separate randomly and independent of the factors of other traits at the time of meiosis and get randomly as well as independently arranged in the offspring. This law is called the law of independent assortment.

Linkage is the close association of genes on the same chromosome. It tells how certain characteristics are frequently inherited together.
Mutation is the sudden inheritable changes in the genes occurring during inheritance.
Dominant characters are not responsible for the mendelian recombination.
From the above information we have found that mendelian recombination is due to an independent assortment of genes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The independent assortment is a very important phenomenon and it plays an important role in evolution. This increases genetic variations within a population due to production of new genetic combinations. Mendel also explained two other laws that are: law of dominance and law of segregation. He performed all these experiments on pea plants.