How are Mendel's two laws explained in terms of meiosis?

Answer 1

Mendel's Law of Segregation states that only one gene is inherited from each parent. This is explained by the separation/splitting of pairs of homologous chromosomes (with their genes) into separate gametes during meiosis. These gametes randomly combine during fertilization to produce unique offspring.

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment states that traits are sorted and inherited independly of one another. As a result of meiosis, individual members of each pair of homologous chromosomes segregate separately from the members of other pairs, resulting in a ramdon distribution of the alleles on different chromosomes to the gametes. Thus, a gene on one chromosome has no influence on whether a gene on another chromosome is inherited. This is the case because because meiosis results in random packaging of chromosomes into gametes.

Mendel did not of course know about meiosis at the time he was conducting his research, but meiosis explains his results.

Answer 2

Segregation of characteristics. Carried on discrete particles; genes. Law of independent assortment. The separate assortment of different allele forms. Crossing over was not know to Mendel and was found by one of Thomas Hunt Morgan's students, though the name escapes my memory.