Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does the Law of Segregation state about alleles during allele formation?

1. Alleles do not separate and act together

2. Alleles will separate and act independently

3. Alleles blend together to form a new trait

4. All alleles are dominant

The correct answer is: Alleles will separate and act independently

The Law of Segregation, formulated by Gregor Mendel, asserts that during the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs), the two alleles for a trait separate so that each gamete only carries one allele for each gene. This means that when an organism reproduces, it randomly passes on one of its two alleles to its offspring. This process ensures that the genetic variation is maintained across generations. In the context of this law, the separation of alleles allows for independent assortment of traits when gametes combine during fertilization, resulting in offspring that can inherit varying combinations of traits from their parents. This principle is fundamental in genetics, as it explains how traits are inherited and how the genetic diversity within a population can arise. The other options reflect misunderstandings of genetic principles. The notion that alleles do not separate (the first option) contradicts the Law of Segregation. Blending of alleles (the third option) is more aligned with the concept of incomplete dominance, not how alleles function according to Mendelian genetics. Lastly, the statement that all alleles are dominant (the fourth option) overlooks the basics of dominance and recessiveness and does not relate to the segregation of alleles during gamete formation