Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

Definition

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance states that genes are located on chromosomes, which are the basis for all genetic inheritance. It integrates Mendelian genetics with chromosome behavior during meiosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Proposed by Walter Sutton and Theodor Boveri in the early 20th century.
2. It explains how Mendel's laws of inheritance correlate with chromosome behavior during gamete formation.
3. Each parent contributes one set of chromosomes to their offspring, ensuring genetic variation.
4. The theory was confirmed through Thomas Hunt Morgan's experiments with fruit flies, linking specific traits to specific chromosomes.
5. Genetic linkage occurs when genes located close together on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together.

Review Questions

• Who were the scientists responsible for proposing the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance?
• How does the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance explain Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment?
• What experimental evidence provided by Thomas Hunt Morgan supported this theory?

Related terms

Meiosis: The process by which a single cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information.

Genetic Linkage: The tendency of DNA sequences that are close together on a chromosome to be inherited together during meiosis.

Mendelian Genetics: The principles of heredity discovered by Gregor Mendel, based on his experiments with pea plants.