In keeping with the law of independent assortment what is actually assorted?

Options

A. Different genes on the same chromosome
B. Centromeres
C. Homologous chromosomes
D. Heterologous chromosomes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Law of Independent Assortment**: The law of independent assortment is one of Gregor Mendel's principles of inheritance. It states that alleles for different traits are distributed to gametes (sex cells) independently of one another.

2. **Identifying What is Assorted**: In the context of this law, what is actually assorted are the alleles of different genes. For example, if we consider two traits, such as seed shape (round vs. wrinkled) and seed color (yellow vs. green), the alleles for these traits segregate independently during gamete formation.

3. **Gamete Formation**: During meiosis, the process of cell division that produces gametes, the alleles for one trait segregate independently of the alleles for another trait. This means that the combination of alleles that end up in a gamete is random.

4. **Example of Independent Assortment**: If we have a plant that is heterozygous for both traits (RrYy, where R = round, r = wrinkled, Y = yellow, y = green), the possible gametes produced would be RY, Ry, rY, and ry. Each gamete has a different combination of alleles, demonstrating independent assortment.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, in keeping with the law of independent assortment, it is the alleles of different genes that are assorted independently during gamete formation.

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