In experiments published in 1918 that sought to verify and expand the genetic linkage and recombination theory proposed by Morgan, Thomas Bregger studied potential genetic linkage in corn (Zea mays) for genes controlling kernel color (colored is dominant to colorless) and starch content (starchy is dominant to waxy). Bregger performed two crosses. In Cross 1, pure-breeding colored, starchy-kernel plants (C1 Wx/C1 Wx) were crossed to plants pure-breeding for colorless, waxy kernels (c1 wx/c1 wx). The F₁ of this cross were test-crossed to colorless, waxy plants. The test-cross progeny were as follows:
Phenotype Number
Colored, waxy 310
Colored, starchy 858
Colorless, waxy 781
Colorless, starchy 311
2260
In Cross 2, plants pure-breeding for colored, waxy kernels (C1 wx/C1 wx) and colorless, starchy kernels (c1 Wx/c1 Wx) were mated, and their F₁ were test-crossed to colorless, waxy plants. The test-cross progeny were as follows:
Phenotype Number
Colored, waxy 340
Colored, starchy 115
Colorless, waxy 92
Colorless, starchy 298
845
For each set of test-cross progeny, determine whether genetic linkage or independent assortment is more strongly supported by the data. Explain the rationale for your answer.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage
Crossing Over and Recombinants
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
An experiment that was performed found the recombination frequency between two genes was 12.5%. What is the distance (in mapping units) between two genes?
A
25
B
6.25
C
12.5
D
10

1
Understand that recombination frequency is used to estimate the distance between genes on a chromosome. This frequency is expressed as a percentage.
Recall that 1% recombination frequency is equivalent to 1 map unit (or centimorgan, cM) in genetic mapping.
Given the recombination frequency of 12.5%, interpret this as the distance between the two genes in map units.
Convert the recombination frequency directly into map units, since 12.5% recombination frequency corresponds to 12.5 map units.
Conclude that the distance between the two genes is 12.5 map units, based on the recombination frequency provided.
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