Question

below is a diagram of a chromosome that contains the loci of five different genes, a, b, c, d, and e. which two genes are the most likely to recombine during crossing over in meiosis?

Explanation:

In genetics, the closer two genes are on a chromosome, the less likely they are to recombine during crossing - over. Conversely, genes that are farther apart are more likely to recombine. Looking at the diagram (assuming a linear arrangement of genes on the chromosome), if we consider the positions of the genes, genes that are at the two ends (or relatively far apart) are more prone to recombination. Among the given options, if we assume a linear chromosome structure (a common assumption in basic genetics problems about recombination), genes that are at opposite ends or have a relatively large distance between them (in terms of their position on the chromosome) will recombine more. If we assume the chromosome has genes arranged in a linear fashion (as is typical in such problems), and without seeing the exact diagram (but based on standard recombination principles), genes that are far apart (like those at the two ends of a linear arrangement) are more likely to recombine. If we assume the chromosome is linear and genes are placed such that \(A\) and \(E\) are at the two ends (a common setup in such multiple - choice questions about recombination), they will have the maximum distance between them compared to other pairs. According to the principle of recombination frequency (which is related to the distance between genes on a chromosome, with greater distance leading to higher recombination frequency), \(A\) and \(E\) will recombine more.

Answer:

C. A & E