Question

two autosomal genes have a recombination frequency of 16%. which of the following conclusions can be drawn regarding these genes?
the two genes are closely linked on the same chromosome.
recombination between these two genes cannot occur in the cell during meiosis.
the genes are located on the x chromosome.
the two genes are linked but on different chromosomes.
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Explanation:

• Linkage and Recombination Frequency: Genes on the same chromosome are linked. The recombination frequency (RF) is a measure of the distance between linked genes on a chromosome. A RF of 1% is defined as 1 map unit (centimorgan, cM).
• Analysis of Options:
• Option 1: If genes are on different chromosomes, they assort independently (RF = 50%). But here RF = 16%, so this option is incorrect.
• Option 2: The problem states autosomal genes. Autosomal genes are not on the X - chromosome. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 3: Recombination between linked genes on the same chromosome does occur during meiosis (crossing - over). So this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: A recombination frequency of 16% indicates that the two genes are linked on the same chromosome. Since 16% < 50%, they are closely linked (as unlinked genes have RF = 50%).

Answer:

The two genes are closely linked on the same chromosome.