Quick Scoop

Linked genes are genes located close together on the same chromosome, so they tend to be inherited together more often than genes that are far apart or on different chromosomes. The closer they are, the less likely crossing over will separate them during meiosis.

In simple terms

Think of a chromosome like a train and genes like nearby seats on the same car. If two genes are seated close together, they usually travel together into the same gamete, unless recombination swaps them apart.

Why it matters

  • Linked genes do not follow independent assortment as often as genes on different chromosomes.
  • Geneticists use linkage to help map the positions of genes on chromosomes.
  • The chance of recombination increases as the distance between two genes increases.

Example

If two traits are controlled by linked genes, offspring are more likely to inherit those traits together than separately, unless crossing over happens between the two gene locations.

One-line definition

Linked genes are genes on the same chromosome that are close enough together to be inherited together more often than not.

TL;DR: Linked genes are nearby genes on the same chromosome that usually get passed on together, because crossing over does not separate them very often.

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