Question

three genes (a, b, and c) at three loci are being mapped in a particular species. each gene has two alleles, each of which results in a dominant or recessive phenotype. the dominant allele of gene a is inherited with the dominant allele of gene b or c about 50% of the time. however, the dominant alleles of genes b and c are inherited together 14.4% of the time. which of the following statements describes what is happening regarding the inheritance of these genes? gene a is assorting independently of genes b and c, which are linked. the three genes are showing independent assortment. the three genes are linked. gene a is linked but genes b and c are not.

Explanation:

• Independent assortment: When genes assort independently, the inheritance of one gene does not influence the inheritance of another. A \(50\%\) inheritance frequency of gene \(A\) with \(B\) or \(C\) is consistent with independent assortment (as expected for unlinked genes).
• Linkage: Linked genes are inherited together more frequently than expected by independent assortment. The \(14.4\%\) inheritance of \(B\) and \(C\) together indicates they are linked (less than \(50\%\) independent inheritance).

Answer:

Gene A is assorting independently of genes B and C, which are linked.