Linkage refers to which of the following?

Linkage refers to the phenomenon whereby genes that are located close to each other on the same chromosome are often inherited together during the process of meiosis. This occurs because they are physically linked on the chromosome and are less likely to be separated during chromosomal crossover, a process that occurs during the formation of gametes.

When genes are linked, they do not assort independently according to Mendel’s law of independent assortment, which applies primarily to genes located on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome. The closer two genes are to each other, the greater the chance they will be inherited together. This is an important concept in genetics, as it helps explain patterns of inheritance that deviate from those expected based on the independent assortment of alleles.

Understanding linkage is crucial for mapping genes within a genome, predicting inheritance patterns, and comprehending genetic disorders that may arise from linked genes.