Question

You are trying to determine the linkage map of a series of genes, X, Y, and Z, from Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode worm commonly used in scientific research. From doing several crossover experiments, you know that the recombination frequency between X and Y is 11.5%, between Y and Z is 13%, and between X and Z is 25%. What is a possible sequence of these genes?

Answer 1

X-Y-Z

Step-by-step explanation:

Recombination frequency is the frequency of cross over that takes place between two genes during meiosis. Genes which are linked lie close to each other hence they do not assort independently and tend to get inherited together. Closer the genes, more is this tendency and lesser is the recombination frequency.

Here, genes X and Z show the highest recombination frequency i.e. they are the farthest. Gene Y shows intermediate recombination frequency with both the genes ( 11.5% with gene X and 13% with gene Z ) so it must lie between them. Hence, the possible sequence of these genes is X-Y-Z.