GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Help with Linkage

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #412 : Gre Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, And Molecular Biology

What does it mean to say that two genes are linked?

Possible Answers:

The genes share a promoter

The genes code for the same mRNA

The genes almost always segregate together during meiosis

The genes overlap one another 

Correct answer:

The genes almost always segregate together during meiosis

Explanation:

Genetic linkages are determined by frequencies of recombination. These are measures of how often chromosomal crossovers will take place between two genes. The closer the loci of the two genes are on a chromosome, the less likely a crossover event will separate the two genes. If the recombination frequencies are sufficiently low, the genes are considered to be linked.

Genetic linkage has nothing to do with genes coding for the same mRNA, sharing a promoter, or overlapping one another. Linked genes still code for distinctly separate traits/proteins and have different loci (don't overlap).

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors