Which law of Mendelian genetics can be considered universal

Options

A. Dominance
B. Codominance
C. Independent assortment
D. Segregation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mendelian Genetics**: Mendelian genetics is based on the principles established by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants. He formulated several laws that describe how traits are inherited.

2. **Identifying the Laws**: The main laws of Mendelian genetics include:
- Law of Dominance
- Law of Segregation
- Law of Independent Assortment

3. **Evaluating Each Law**:
- **Law of Dominance**: This law states that in a heterozygote, one allele may mask the effect of another. However, there are exceptions to this law, such as incomplete dominance and co-dominance.
- **Law of Independent Assortment**: This law states that alleles for different traits are distributed to gametes independently of one another. However, this law also has exceptions, particularly in cases of gene linkage.
- **Law of Segregation**: This law states that during gamete formation, the alleles for each gene segregate from each other so that a gamete carries only one allele for each gene. This law does not have exceptions and applies universally across all organisms.

4. **Conclusion**: Among the laws of Mendelian genetics, the Law of Segregation is considered universal because it applies to all organisms without exceptions.

**Final Answer**: The Law of Segregation is the universal law of Mendelian genetics.

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