Do complementary genes move closer on the DNA chain?

[Lojzek]

1. I read that each gene has a 50% chance to be transferred to a single gamete.
Does the distance between two genes on the same chromosome influence the conditional probability for the second gene to be transferred to the same gamete as the first one?

2. Can the process of reproduction allow to change the distance between two specific genes inherited from the same parent?

If both points were true and the conditional probability would decrease with distance (with a maximum close to 100% for close distance), then this would be an effective way to make groups of complementary genes with high probability of common passage to individual descendant, which would make the descendant more efficient.

 

[Monique]

Yes, genes can be swapped among homologous chromosomes in a process called recombination. Genes that are very close to each other have a low recombination frequency, genes that are at opposite ends or on separate chromosomes have a frequency of 50%.

Are you suggesting that we should engineer chromosomes so that complementary genes are linked to each other? This certainly won't be possible in humans, it is not a spontaneous process either (generally speaking the order of genes on a chromosome is always the same). It could possibly be tried for transgenic crops, but it is way more efficient to just grow the crops with complementary genes to homozygosity.

 

[quicknote]

I can provide some insights into these questions. First, it is important to understand that genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits or characteristics. These genes are organized on chromosomes, and the distance between them on the DNA chain can vary.

To answer the first question, it is true that each gene has a 50% chance of being transferred to a single gamete during reproduction. However, the distance between two genes on the same chromosome does not influence this probability. This is because the process of genetic recombination, which occurs during meiosis, shuffles and mixes the genetic material from both parents. This results in a random distribution of genes on the gametes, regardless of their distance on the DNA chain.

As for the second question, the process of reproduction does not allow for the intentional changing of the distance between specific genes inherited from the same parent. The distance between genes on a chromosome is determined by the physical structure of the DNA and cannot be altered during reproduction.

In regards to the suggestion of creating groups of complementary genes with high probability of common passage to individual descendants, this is not a feasible or practical approach. While it is true that certain combinations of genes may lead to more efficient offspring, the process of genetic recombination and the random distribution of genes ensures that there is a diverse and varied population. This diversity is important for the survival of a species and allows for adaptation to changing environments.

In conclusion, the distance between genes on the DNA chain does not influence the probability of their transfer during reproduction. The process of genetic recombination ensures a random distribution of genes on gametes, and the distance between genes cannot be intentionally altered during reproduction. Additionally, creating groups of complementary genes with high probability of common passage is not a feasible or practical approach.