Section 3: Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Classical Genetics and Epistasis
Subtopic: Mendelian Genetics & Gene Interactions
Question Statement:
Mendel's ' law of segregation' applies to the segregation of ________ during
gamete formation.
Options:
(A) mitochondrial genes
(B) alleles of a gene
(C) linked genes on the same chromosome
(D) unlinked genes on the same chromosome
Official Answer Key:
B
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2024 Q.16)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Classical Genetics & Mendelian Principles
- Mendel's First Law (Law of Segregation) states that during gametogenesis (meiosis), the two alleles of an individual gene pair separate (segregate) from each other so that each gamete carries only one allele.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [mitochondrial genes] is INCORRECT**: Extranuclear genes exhibit maternal (non-Mendelian) uniparental inheritance.
- **Option (B) [alleles of a gene] is CORRECT**: Segregation explicitly refers to the disjunction of alleles of a single locus during anaphase I of meiosis.
- **Option (C) [linked genes on the same chromosome] is INCORRECT**: Linked genes tend to be inherited together and violate independent assortment.
- **Option (D) [unlinked genes on the same chromosome] is INCORRECT**: The separation of different genes on different chromosomes is governed by the Law of Independent Assortment (Mendel's Second Law).
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **B**
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