Final answer:
Linked genes are genes on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together. They are less likely to be separated by crossing-over during meiosis if they are close together, which can affect genetic inheritance patterns and predictions based on Mendel's laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genes showing linkage that are located on the same chromosome are known as linked genes. Linked genes tend to be inherited together because they are located close to each other on the chromosome which causes their alleles to segregate together during meiosis unless separated by crossing-over. Crossing-over is a process that can occur during meiosis when two homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. The closer two genes are located on a chromosome, the less likely it is that crossing-over will separate their alleles.
Linkage is important in understanding the transmission of multiple traits because it can deviate from classical Mendelian genetics. For example, in a dihybrid cross considering flower color and plant height, genes are located next to each other on the chromosome. Gametes formed will contain either tall and red alleles or short and yellow alleles, known as the parental genotypes. As the distance between genes increases, the likelihood of crossing-over increases as well, resulting in the genes behaving more independently.