MCQ: Genetics- Recombination in Drosophila

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    Genetics Recombination
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of genetic recombination in Drosophila, specifically focusing on the interpretation of progeny ratios resulting from crossovers between linked genes. Participants explore the implications of these ratios in the context of a multiple-choice question (MCQ) related to genetics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation of progeny percentages based on recombination events, expressing confusion about the total population and the implications of the ratios.
  • Another participant explains the inheritance of chromatids resulting from a crossover between genes a and b, suggesting equal probabilities for the resulting gametes.
  • A question is raised about the validity of a 1:1 ratio for independently assorting genes versus the rarity of recombinant genotypes for linked genes.
  • Participants are encouraged to draw out possible gametes and assign probabilities to each genotype, indicating a methodical approach to the problem.
  • Discrepancies in calculations are noted, with one participant acknowledging a contradiction in their previous math regarding parental genotype frequencies.
  • Another participant suggests that the sum of the frequencies of recombinant gametes corresponds to the genetic distance between them in map units.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the genetic ratios and calculations, indicating that multiple competing views remain. There is no consensus on the correct approach to the problem, and confusion persists regarding the total population and the implications of the crossover events.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved assumptions about the total progeny population and the definitions of parental versus recombinant genotypes. The discussion also reflects uncertainty in the calculations presented by participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators in genetics, particularly those interested in recombination and inheritance patterns in Drosophila, as well as those preparing for related assessments.

TytoAlba95
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Homework Statement
The given answer to this question is (2)
Relevant Equations
NA
Q3zsmuuLirK-Td2ZcXR7mWa0k&_nc_ht=scontent.fccu13-1.jpg


Here (A) is a product of recombination between a-&-b, (B) is a product of recombination between b-&-c and (C) a parent

1. If 1000 is the total number of progenies, then 10% of it is 100 (A), 5% is 50 (B) and the rest should be <850 because the other parent has not been included. So I reject 1.
2. Here the total is 500, maybe they have considered the other P to be 500.
3. Not possible because for the given total (B) cannot be more than 50.
4. Similarly, it cannot be 425 either.

So I have to go back to 2. if we take to total population as 500, it is correct, but the total pop is not 500?!

I'm very confused about the concept, please guide me. Also, tell me if there's a simpler or shorter way to arrive at the correct answer.

SS141
 
Last edited:
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If you have a crossover between a&b, you will produce two different chromatids, a+/b/c+ and a/b+/c, and each chromatid will have equal probability of being inherited. In the test cross, 50 would inherit a+/b/c+ and 50 would inherit a/b+/c.
 
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Ygggdrasil said:
... two different chromatids, a+/b/c+ and a/b+/c, and each chromatid will have equal probability of being inherited. In the test cross, 50 would inherit a+/b/c+ and 50 would inherit a/b+/c.

But doesn't the ratio 1:1 hold true for independently assorting gene combinations/genotypes? For linked genes, recombinant genotypes are rare and the parental ones are frequent.
 
Try drawing out the possible gametes that can be produced by the F1 individual and assigning probabilities to each of the six possible gamete genotypes.
 
WhatsApp Image 2020-05-31 at 1.18.46 AM.jpeg


I'm not sure if I'm right. Please help.
 
You've correctly listed out the possible gametes. Now, for each individual gamete's genotype (e.g. a+/b+/c), what is the probability?
 
WhatsApp Image 2020-06-01 at 1.01.24 AM.jpeg


# SC_ab= Single crossover between a & b
 
The math here disagrees with the math above. In your previous post, you correctly said that the two parental genotypes sum to 85%, but here your two parental genotypes sum to 70%.
 
I agree, my recent calculation contradicts the previous one. I think 70% makes more sense. Because in the question though they have provided only one genotype from each crossover type, the chances of occurrence of both the genotypes should be equal, P(a/b+/c)=P(a+/b/c+)=10%.
 
  • #10
Here's how I approach the problem:
Picture1.png
 
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  • #11
Ygggdrasil said:
Here's how I approach the problem:
View attachment 263835
What tool(s) did you use to make the nice tree drawing?
 
  • #12
I just put it together in PowerPoint.
 
  • #13
Ygggdrasil said:
Here's how I approach the problem:
View attachment 263835
Okay, I got this.
So the gametes arising out of non-recombination and recombination have the same chances of occurrence as its counterpart. The sum of the frequencies of a pair of recombinant gametes is the distance between them in map units.

Thank you. Thank you so much.
 

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