Final answer:
The student's question involves using F2 progeny recombination frequency to determine genetic distances in centimorgans, thereby inferring the positions of genes on chromosome 2 in Drosophila melanogaster.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is regarding using F2 progeny to estimate the position of a gene in Drosophila melanogaster. This involves understanding genetic linkage and recombination. By analyzing the recombination frequency, scientists can determine the genetic distance between genes, which is measured in centimorgans (CM). For example, if the genes for body color and wing size in Drosophila melanogaster exhibit a recombination frequency of 17 percent, this implies that these genes are 17 centimorgans apart on the chromosome. This distance indicates the likelihood that the alleles for these genes will recombine during the formation of gametes. The genotype ratios observed in the F2 generation can provide information regarding gene position, linkage, and recombination rates.
Furthermore, the linkage map of Drosophila can be reviewed to deduce which genes are more likely to segregate together based on their relative map units, helping to predict outcomes in genetic crosses.