Chapter 10.2, Problem 2MI

Summary Introduction

To define:

The word “segregation” using a book or a dictionary.

Introduction:

The study of heredity is called genetics. Gregor Mendel was a mathematician whose experiments with garden pea plants gave insight into the inheritance of traits. He developed the law of segregation to explain how hybrids are formed.

Answer to Problem 2MI

Segregation means the separation of alleles. It occurs during meiosis.

Explanation of Solution

Reproductive cells which pass on genetic traits from the parent to child are produced by the process of meiosis. In order to maintain the same number of chromosomes in each generation, an organism produces gametes. The segregation of sex chromosomes and random combination of sperm and egg results in formation of males and females.

Law of segregation- Mendel’s law of segregation states that the two alleles for each trait separate during meiosis. The two alleles unite during fertilization resulting in the formation of hybrids.