Parental types

Definition

Parental types are offspring that inherit a combination of traits that exactly match one of the two parents. This occurs due to the inheritance of linked genes that do not undergo recombination during meiosis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parental types result from the inheritance of linked genes.
2. In genetics, parental types help confirm the chromosomal theory of inheritance.
3. The frequency of parental types can be used to calculate recombination frequencies.
4. Parental types contrast with recombinant types, which have new combinations of traits.
5. High frequency of parental types indicates closely linked genes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Genetic Linkage: The tendency for genes located close together on a chromosome to be inherited together.

Recombinant Types: Offspring that exhibit new combinations of traits not found in either parent due to crossing over during meiosis.

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance:

A theory stating that chromosomes are carriers of genetic material and segregate independently during gamete formation.