Crossing twoDrosophilaflies with two different mutations yields almost...
The genes complement each other when they are present on two different chromosomes and produce a wild type product. This can be seen using a complementation test.
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Crossing twoDrosophilaflies with two different mutations yields almost...
Introduction:
In this question, we are given that crossing two Drosophila flies with different mutations results in almost all progeny having wild type traits. Based on this information, we need to conclude whether the genes are tightly linked, linked but far apart, or on two different chromosomes.
Explanation:
To understand the possible conclusions, let's discuss each option one by one.
a) The genes are tightly linked:
If the genes were tightly linked, it would mean that they are very close to each other on the same chromosome. When two genes are tightly linked, they tend to be inherited together and do not assort independently during crossing over. In this case, crossing flies with two different mutations would not produce almost all progeny with wild type traits. Therefore, we can eliminate this option.
b) The genes are linked but are far apart:
If the genes were linked but far apart, it would mean that they are located on the same chromosome but at a considerable distance from each other. In this case, there would be a chance of crossing over occurring between the two genes during gamete formation. Crossing over can lead to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. If crossing over occurs between the two genes, it can result in the production of recombinant progeny with different traits. However, since almost all progeny have wild type traits in this case, we can eliminate this option as well.
c) The genes are on two different chromosomes:
If the genes are on two different chromosomes, they would segregate independently during gamete formation. This means that the inheritance of one gene does not influence the inheritance of the other gene. In this case, crossing flies with different mutations can result in the production of progeny with wild type traits if the wild type alleles are dominant and present on both chromosomes. Therefore, this option is a plausible explanation for the observed results.
Conclusion:
Based on the information provided, we can conclude that the genes responsible for the mutations are on two different chromosomes (option c). This is the most likely explanation for the production of almost all progeny with wild type traits in the given cross.