Independent Assortment of Genes

Vocabulary flashcards covering Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment, genetic cross methods, probability rules, and chi-square statistical analysis.

Independent Assortment

The condition at work when two or more traits of single-gene inheritance are analyzed simultaneously, such as seed color and seed shape.

Green Revolution

The application of genetics to plant production involving multiple traits with single-gene control, which resulted in doubling the yield of food plants between 1960 and 2000.

Law of Independent Assortment (Mendel's Second Law)

The principle stating that gene pairs on different chromosome pairs assort independently in gamete formation.

Diagnostic Ratios for Independent Assortment

Progeny ratios of $1:1:1:1$ and $9:3:3:1$ that serve as diagnostic indicators of independent assortment between two independent genes.

Reginald Punnett

A geneticist who worked with William Bateson on genetics research and later became the first Professor of Genetics at Cambridge.

Punnett Square Method

A traditional genetics tool good for single-gene crosses, but cumbersome for multigene crosses.

Forked-line (Branching) Method

A method based on knowledge of monohybrid crosses and allele segregation, especially useful for predicting dihybrid and trihybrid cross progeny ratios.

Additive (or Sum) Rule of Probability

A probability rule stating that the probability of either of two mutually exclusive events occurring is the sum of their individual probabilities: $P(A \text{ or } B) = P(A) + P(B)$.

Multiplication (or Product) Rule of Probability

A probability rule stating that the probability of multiple independent events occurring at the same time or in sequence is the product of their individual probabilities: $P(A \text{ and } B) = P(A) \times P(B)$.

Binomial Rule of Probability

A probability rule used to determine the likelihood of a set of independent events occurring in an unspecified order, calculated as $P = \frac{n!}{s!t!}(p)^s(q)^t$.

Gamete Number Formula

The formula $2^n$ used to calculate the number of unique gametes produced by a parent, where $n$ is the number of different, independent heterozygous genes.

Offspring Genotype Number Formula

The formula $3^n$ used to determine the total number of distinct offspring genotypes produced from a selfing cross of an individual heterozygous for $n$ independent genes.