Question
Gregor Mendel's study of genetics helped to form an understanding of how biological traits are passed from generation to generation. According to Mendel's law of segregation pairs of alleles for each gene locus are separated and to different gametes during meiosis Further, Mendel's law of independent assortment explains that during meiosis, alleles for specific traits are separated independently of alleles for other traits. Which statement best describes how heredity is affected by the application of these laws? A. genetic variation decreases through meiosis B. genetic variation increases through meiosis C. only dominant alleles are passed on D. only recessive alleles are passed on
Answer
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Wallace
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
To answer this question, let's examine each statement in light of Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment and their implications on heredity:1. **Mendel's Law of Segregation** states that during the formation of gametes (through meiosis), the two alleles for each gene segregate from each other so that each gamete carries only one allele for each gene. This law ensures that offspring inherit one genetic allele from each parent for each gene, contributing to genetic diversity.2. **Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment** explains that the alleles of different genes assort independently of one another during gamete formation. This law means that the distribution of alleles for one trait does not affect the distribution of alleles for another trait. This mechanism further increases the potential for genetic variation among offspring because it leads to the formation of gametes with many different possible combinations of alleles.Now, let's analyze the given options:A. **Genetic variation decreases through meiosis**: This statement contradicts the effects of both Mendel's laws. Meiosis, coupled with the laws of segregation and independent assortment, actually increases genetic diversity by creating new combinations of alleles.B. **Genetic variation increases through meiosis**: This statement aligns with the principles of Mendel's laws. By segregating and independently assorting alleles, meiosis generates gametes with diverse genetic combinations, thereby increasing genetic variation in the offspring.C. **Only dominant alleles are passed on**: This is incorrect. Both dominant and recessive alleles can be passed to the offspring. Mendel's law of segregation ensures that a gamete will receive one allele of a gene, but it does not specify that only dominant alleles are passed on.D. **Only recessive alleles are passed on**: Similar to C, this statement is also incorrect. The law of segregation does not discriminate between dominant and recessive alleles in terms of their passage to the next generation.【Answer】: The statement that best describes how heredity is affected by the application of Mendel's laws is **B. genetic variation increases through meiosis**. This answer correctly reflects the outcome of applying Mendel's laws to heredity, as both laws contribute to an increase in genetic diversity among offspring through the processes of meiosis.