What is meant by "linked genes"?

Linked genes refer to genes that are situated on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together during the process of meiosis. This is due to the physical proximity of the genes on the chromosome; when chromosomes are segregated into gametes, genes that are close together are less likely to be separated by recombination events. Because recombination can occur during the formation of gametes, it results in the mixing of alleles from maternal and paternal chromosomes. However, when genes are closely linked, they are more likely to stay together and be passed on as a unit to the next generation, which is the key aspect of what defines linked genes.

The other concepts do not fit the definition of linked genes. Genes that are expressed independently do not have a geographic connection on a chromosome that influences their inheritance. Similarly, genes located on different chromosomes do not exhibit linkage since they assort independently during meiosis. Finally, genes involved in the same metabolic pathway can be located on different chromosomes or may be unlinked, so their functional association does not imply they are linked in the genetic sense. Hence, the statement that best captures the essence of linked genes is that they are on the same chromosome and likely to be inherited together.