Can linked genes assort independently during gamete formation?

Linked genes are located on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together during gamete formation. This is because they are physically close to each other and are less likely to be separated during meiosis. When genes are linked, they do not follow the principle of independent assortment, which states that genes located on different chromosomes segregate independently of one another.

The phenomenon of linked genes means that they frequently travel together into gametes, leading to specific combinations of traits in the offspring. While crossing over can create new combinations of alleles between linked genes, it does not change the fundamental principle that nearby genes are more likely to be inherited together. This is why the answer indicates that linked genes do not assort independently but rather inherit together, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic linkage in inheritance patterns.