Question

question 7 of 10
why do alleles from genes that occur on the same chromosome sometimes appear to be inherited independently?
a. alleles can select which chromosome they will be inherited on.
b. alleles can move along a chromosome until they reach another chromosome.
c. alleles carried on the y chromosome can move to the x chromosome.
d. parental pairings of alleles can be split up during crossing over.

Explanation:

During meiosis, crossing - over occurs between homologous chromosomes. This process can break the linkage between alleles on the same chromosome. When parental pairings of alleles are split up during crossing - over, it can give the appearance that alleles from genes on the same chromosome are inherited independently.

• Option A is incorrect because alleles do not have the ability to select which chromosome they will be inherited on.
• Option B is wrong as alleles do not move along a chromosome to reach another chromosome in the way described.
• Option C is incorrect as alleles on the Y chromosome do not move to the X chromosome in a general sense to cause independent - like inheritance of alleles on the same chromosome.

Answer:

D. Parental pairings of alleles can be split up during crossing over.