why is it chromosomes, not individual genes, that assort independently?

Answer 1

The second person has it backwards: chromosomes carry many genes, not the other way around. Each chromosome can carry tens of thousands of genes (where a gene is defined as a sequence of DNA that codes for a protein).

During meiosis I, the chromosomes are separated into daughter cells. For example, there is a pair of chromosome 15's in normal adult cells; in gametes, there is only 1 chromosome 15. Which chromosome goes into each gamete is decided randomly. The tens of thousands of genes on each chromosome go with the chromosome.

In order for genes to be assorted independently, the chromosomes on which they reside would have to be broken into thousands of parts. That would be an extremely ineffective process, and would likely lead to enormous mistakes during cell division.

Answer 2

the theory of dominance states that some alleles are dominant and others are recessive. while each and each F1 plant flowers, the two alleles are segregated from one yet another so as that each and each gamete incorporates in basic terms a single reproduction of each and every gene. hence, each and each F1 plant produces 2 varieties of gametes—those with the allele for tallness and those with the allele for shortness. section 11-2: danger and Punnett Squares the concepts of danger may be used to foretell the consequence of genetic crosses. section 11-3: Exploring Mendelian Genetics the theory of self sufficient sequence states that genes for various characteristics can segregate independently for the period of the formation of gametes. some alleles are neither dominant nor recessive, and a great number of characteristics are controlled via diverse alleles or diverse genes. section 11-4: Meiosis Meiosis is a ability of alleviation branch wherein the variety of chromosomes in line with cellular is cut back in a million/2 for the period of the separation of homologous chromosomes in a diploid cellular. Mitosis outcomes interior the production of two genetically same diploid cells, while meiosis produces 4 genetically diverse haploid cells. section 11-5: Linkage and Gene Maps The chromosomes assort independently; individual genes do no longer.

Answer 3

Chromosomes are contained within the genes. Think of it as the genes are your family, but the chromosomes are the individual members of the family. The gene acts as a unit, but the variations within that are controlled by the chromosomes within the gene.

Answer 4

Why can't you drive a pile of car parts? Why do they have to be assembled into a functioning vehicle to work?