[Campbell Biology P.344] According to the chromosome theory of inheritance, what is the phys... | Practice Question

According to the chromosome theory of inheritance, what is the physical basis for Mendel's law of segregation and law of independent assortment?

  • A: The behavior of genes during fertilization.
  • B: The behavior of chromosomes during meiosis.
  • C: The random mutation of alleles.
  • D: The notation system for dominant and recessive traits.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that the chromosome theory of inheritance proposes that 'it is the chromosomes that undergo segregation and independent assortment.' The separation of homologous chromosomes in meiosis I accounts for the segregation of alleles, and the random alignment of these pairs at the metaphase plate accounts for independent assortment.