11-5 Linkage and Gene Maps

Gene Linkage A gene is a section of a chromosome that codes for a trait (characteristic) Genes that are found on the same chromosome are often passed on together, they are “linked” together

Gene Maps gene map = diagram showing the relative locations of each known gene on a chromosome

Crossing over sometimes separates genes that are on the same chromosome This can sometimes lead to new gene combinations This is important because it helps create genetic diversity in a species.