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Ch. 5 - Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes
Chapter 5, Problem 20

Are mitotic recombinations and sister chromatid exchanges effective in producing genetic variability in an individual? in the offspring of individuals?

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1
Understand the concept of mitotic recombination: It is a process that occurs during mitosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This can lead to genetic variation within somatic cells of an individual.
Understand the concept of sister chromatid exchange (SCE): SCE involves the exchange of genetic material between sister chromatids during cell division. It is generally considered a repair mechanism and does not typically result in genetic variation.
Consider the impact on the individual: Mitotic recombination can lead to genetic variability within the somatic cells of an individual, potentially affecting cell function or leading to diseases like cancer. SCE, however, usually does not contribute to genetic variability as it occurs between identical sister chromatids.
Consider the impact on offspring: Since mitotic recombination and SCE occur in somatic cells, they do not directly affect the genetic makeup of an individual's offspring. Genetic variability in offspring is primarily introduced through meiotic recombination during gamete formation.
Conclude the effectiveness: Mitotic recombination can introduce variability within an individual but not in their offspring. SCE is not effective in producing genetic variability in either the individual or their offspring.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mitotic Recombination

Mitotic recombination is a process that occurs during mitosis, where segments of DNA are exchanged between homologous chromosomes. This can lead to genetic diversity within somatic cells, although it is less common than recombination during meiosis. While it can create new allele combinations, its impact on overall genetic variability in an individual is limited compared to meiotic processes.
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Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE)

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is a phenomenon where identical sister chromatids exchange genetic material during cell division. This process can occur during mitosis and is a mechanism for DNA repair. While SCE can contribute to genetic diversity, it primarily affects the individual cell rather than producing variability in offspring, as the genetic information remains largely unchanged.
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Genetic Variability in Offspring

Genetic variability in offspring is primarily generated through processes such as meiosis, where crossing over and independent assortment occur. These mechanisms shuffle alleles between homologous chromosomes, leading to diverse combinations in gametes. Unlike mitotic recombination and SCE, which mainly affect somatic cells, meiotic processes are crucial for producing genetic diversity in the next generation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Drosophila females homozygous for the third chromosomal genes pink and ebony (the same genes from Problem 16) were crossed with males homozygous for the second chromosomal gene dumpy. Because these genes are recessive, all offspring were wild type (normal). F₁ females were testcrossed to triply recessive males. If we assume that the two linked genes, pink and ebony, are 20 mu apart, predict the results of this cross. If the reciprocal cross were made (F₁ males—where no crossing over occurs—with triply recessive females), how would the results vary, if at all?
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Textbook Question
In Drosophila, two mutations, Stubble (Sb) and curled (cu), are linked on chromosome III. Stubble is a dominant gene that is lethal in a homozygous state, and curled is a recessive gene. If a female of the genotype is to be mated to detect recombinants among her offspring, what male genotype would you choose as a mate?
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Textbook Question
If the cross described in Problem 18 were made, and if Sb and cu are 8.2 map units apart on chromosome III, and if 1000 offspring were recovered, what would be the outcome of the cross, assuming that equal numbers of males and females were observed?
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Textbook Question
What possible conclusions can be drawn from the observations that in male Drosophila, no crossing over occurs, and that during meiosis, synaptonemal complexes are not seen in males but are observed in females where crossing over occurs?
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Textbook Question
An organism of the genotype AaBbCc was testcrossed to a triply recessive organism (aabbcc). The genotypes of the progeny are presented in the following table. 20 AaBbCc 20 AaBbcc 20 aabbCc 20 aabbcc 5 AabbCc 5 Aabbcc 5 aaBbCc 5 aaBbcc If these three genes were all assorting independently, how many genotypic and phenotypic classes would result in the offspring, and in what proportion, assuming simple dominance and recessiveness in each gene pair?
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Textbook Question
An organism of the genotype AaBbCc was testcrossed to a triply recessive organism (aabbcc). The genotypes of the progeny are presented in the following table. 20 AaBbCc 20 AaBbcc 20 aabbCc 20 aabbcc 5 AabbCc 5 Aabbcc 5 aaBbCc 5 aaBbcc Answer part (a) again, assuming the three genes are so tightly linked on a single chromosome that no crossover gametes were recovered in the sample of offspring.

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