Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Nonparental types are offspring whose genetic combinations are different from those of their parents. This occurs due to the process of recombination during meiosis.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Nonparental types arise from crossing-over events during prophase I of meiosis.
They provide evidence for genetic recombination and support the chromosomal theory of inheritance.
The frequency of nonparental types can be used to map the distance between genes on a chromosome.
In a dihybrid cross, nonparental types contribute to genetic diversity in offspring.
Higher frequencies of nonparental types indicate genes that are farther apart on the same chromosome.
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Related terms
Genetic Recombination: The process by which chromosomes exchange segments, leading to new allele combinations.
Dihybrid Cross: A cross between two individuals that differ in two observed traits.
Crossing-over: The exchange of chromosome segments between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, resulting in recombination.