The distance between two genes on a linkage map represents
A) the frequency of crossing over that occurs between the genes.
B) the percentage of the DNA sequence between the two genes that has been published.
C) the percentage of descendants that do not show both traits.
D) the exact distance between the genes.
E) the amount of recombinant DNA molecules produced in the laboratory using the two genes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance between two genes on a linkage map represents the frequency of crossing over that occurs between the genes. This is because crossing over occurs between two homologous chromosomes, specifically during the prophase I stage of meiosis. The closer two genes are on the chromosome, the less likely they are to undergo crossing over events, and the farther apart two genes are, the more likely they are to undergo crossing over events. Therefore, the distance between two genes on a linkage map provides an estimate of the frequency of crossing over events that occur between those two genes.

The Distance Between Two Genes on a Linkage Map Represents