Genes, when close together on a chromosome, are known as

Options

A. Linkage
B. Mutation
C. Translation
D. Transcription

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about genes that are located close together on a chromosome. We need to identify the term that describes this relationship.

2. **Identifying the Correct Term**: The term that describes genes that are physically close to each other on a chromosome is "linkage." Linkage refers to the tendency of genes that are located near each other on a chromosome to be inherited together during the meiosis process.

3. **Explaining Linkage**: When genes are linked, they are more likely to be passed on to the next generation as a unit. This means that if one gene is inherited, the other gene that is closely associated with it is also likely to be inherited. This results in offspring that resemble their parents in terms of specific traits.

4. **Contrasting with Recombination**: Linkage is the opposite of recombination. Recombination occurs when genes that are farther apart on a chromosome are more likely to be separated during meiosis, leading to new combinations of traits in the offspring.

5. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- **Mutation**: This refers to a change in the DNA sequence and is not related to the physical proximity of genes.
- **Translation**: This is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA and does not pertain to gene location.
- **Transcription**: This is the process of forming RNA from DNA and is also unrelated to the concept of gene proximity.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that genes, when close together on a chromosome, are known as "linkage" or "linked genes."