Question

two autosomal genes have a recombination frequency of 16%. which of the following conclusions can be drawn regarding these genes?
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.
the two genes are closely linked on the same chromosome.

Explanation:

• Recombination frequency is related to gene linkage. A recombination frequency of 16% indicates that the genes are linked. Since they are autosomal (not on the X - chromosome), and recombination occurs (so they are not so closely linked that recombination is extremely rare).
• If genes were on different chromosomes, the recombination frequency would approach 50% (independent assortment). If they were on the X - chromosome (for autosomal genes this is not the case here), it would be a different situation. And recombination between autosomal genes can occur.
• A recombination frequency of 16% is relatively low, which is characteristic of linked genes (but not extremely closely linked as extremely closely linked genes would have a very low recombination frequency close to 0).

Answer:

The two genes are linked but on different chromosomes.