independent assortment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "independent assortment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of genetics to describe the way genes segregate independently during the formation of gametes. Example: "According to Mendel's principles, independent assortment leads to genetic variation in offspring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the best candidates for a regularity in genetics is a revised version of the rule of independent assortment devised by Gregor Mendel (1822 84): genes on different chromosomes are distributed independently when the gametes are formed (at meiosis).

Encyclopedia Britannica

…basic laws, known as the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment.

Britannica

The same is true of the second law, that of independent assortment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'Selfish' chromosomes that break Mendel's law of independent assortment, can bias their orientation on the spindle and hence retention.

Nature

From this result and others like it, he deduced the independent assortment of separate gene pairs at gamete formation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal function of recombination is to create discrete units which are capable of expressing a greater or lesser degree of independent assortment.

The Evolution of Adaptive Systems

As a result of his studies, he made two generalizations (and used mathematics to describe them); the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment.

The Guardian

Independent assortment would be expected to give in the progeny of the backcross the following: 1 gray-long : 1 gray-vestigial : 1 black-long : 1 black-vestigial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second rule, called the law of independent assortment, states that for any one gamete, the distribution of inherited alleles is random.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Independent assortment is, then, capable of producing 223, or 8,388,608, kinds of sex cells with different combinations of the grandmaternal and grandpaternal chromosomes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The later discovery of chromosomes as the carriers of genetic units supported Mendel's two basic laws, known as the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing genetic inheritance, ensure that you differentiate "independent assortment" from other mechanisms that generate genetic diversity such as crossing over and mutation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all genes follow the principle of "independent assortment". Genes located close together on the same chromosome are linked and tend to be inherited together, violating the principle of independent assortment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "independent assortment" primarily functions as a noun phrase in genetics. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It refers to a fundamental principle of heredity explaining how different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

News & Media

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "independent assortment" is a very common and crucial concept in genetics, particularly in the context of inheritance and genetic diversity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The principle describes how different genes independently separate from one another during reproductive cell formation. Predominantly found in scientific and encyclopedic sources, it highlights the random distribution of genes during meiosis. While the phrase is grammatically sound, it's essential to differentiate it from linked genes, which do not follow this principle. Understanding "independent assortment" is vital for grasping the mechanisms of genetic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random assortment

Focuses on the randomness of the process rather than the independence of the genes.

Mendel's law of independent assortment

Specifically attributes the concept to Mendel's work and laws of inheritance.

independent distribution of genes

Emphasizes how genes are passed on separately.

independent segregation

Emphasizes the separation aspect of the genetic material.

meiotic assortment

Links the process specifically to meiosis, the type of cell division that produces gametes.

random segregation of alleles

Highlights the randomness in the alleles' distribution.

unlinked gene inheritance

Describes the inheritance of genes that are not physically linked on the same chromosome.

chromosome segregation

Broader term referring to the separation of chromosomes during cell division, not necessarily independent.

allelic segregation

Focuses specifically on the separation of alleles, the different forms of a gene.

genetic recombination

A related process that shuffles genetic material but involves crossing over, not just independent distribution.

FAQs

How does "independent assortment" contribute to genetic diversity?

The "independent assortment" of chromosomes during meiosis results in gametes with different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity. This is further enhanced by recombination.

What are the key differences between "independent assortment" and "genetic linkage"?

"Independent assortment" applies to genes on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome, while "genetic linkage" describes genes close together on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together, violating independent assortment.

When does "independent assortment" occur during cell division?

"Independent assortment" occurs during meiosis I, specifically during metaphase I, when homologous chromosomes align randomly at the metaphase plate before separation.

How is the 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio related to "independent assortment"?

The 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio is observed in the F2 generation of a dihybrid cross when genes assort independently, indicating that the alleles of different genes are segregating independently of one another. This ratio is a classic demonstration of "independent assortment".