Whole chromosome preservation through generations

  • Thread starter Thread starter nobahar
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the preservation of whole chromosomes through generations, specifically during meiosis where crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids. The initial assumption presented is that the probability of inheriting a complete chromosome without crossing over is (1/4)^n, where n represents the number of generations backtracked. However, this was corrected to (1/2) to account for both homologous chromosomes. The conversation highlights the significance of allele combination preservation across generations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of meiosis and genetic recombination
  • Knowledge of chromosome structure and function
  • Familiarity with probability concepts in genetics
  • Basic genetics terminology, including alleles and homologous chromosomes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of meiosis and crossing over in detail
  • Explore genetic probability models and their applications
  • Study the implications of allele combinations on inheritance patterns
  • Investigate the role of genetic linkage in chromosome preservation
USEFUL FOR

Genetics students, researchers in evolutionary biology, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of inheritance and chromosome behavior during meiosis.

nobahar
Messages
482
Reaction score
2
Hello!
I have a peculiar question concerning, as the title states, whole chromosome preservation through the generations.
I'll include my reasoning in case you need to point out any discrepancies.
During meiosis, crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids. Two of the chromatids from homologous chromosomes are therefore preserved, although they will separate into different gametes. The chances of you obtaining a complete chromosome that has not been subjected to crossing over is \frac{1}{4} for anyone chromosome. Am I correct to assume then, that the chances of your sharing anyone complete chromosome in common with an ancestor is (\frac{1}{4})^n? Where n is the number of generations you work backwards?
Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Aplogies, I think it should be \frac{1}{2}. As an 'intact' (i.e. passed on from the previous generation without being subjected to crossing over) chromosome is an 'intact' chromosome, and I suppose I shouldn't discriminate against the two homolgous chromosomes.
Can anyone advance on this? Basically, I am interested in the preservation of allele combinations. From this reasoning, it doesn't seem that unlikely that an enitire chromosome would be preserved, and therefore all the alleles for the different genes that were togeather in the previous generation are togeather again in the next.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
404
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K