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Ch. 5 - Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes
Chapter 5, Problem 23

How do we know that in humans the X chromosomes play no role in human sex determination, while the Y chromosome causes maleness and its absence causes femaleness? Why are many expected crossover phenotypes missing? Can any of these loci be mapped from the data given here? If so, determine map distances.

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Understand the role of X and Y chromosomes in sex determination: In humans, the presence of a Y chromosome typically determines maleness due to the SRY gene, which triggers male development. The absence of a Y chromosome (i.e., having two X chromosomes) typically results in femaleness.
Explore the concept of crossover and genetic linkage: Crossover refers to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which can affect the inheritance of linked genes.
Analyze the data for missing crossover phenotypes: Missing crossover phenotypes may indicate that certain loci are very close together on the chromosome, reducing the likelihood of crossover events between them.
Determine if loci can be mapped: If crossover data is available, use it to calculate recombination frequencies, which can be converted into map distances using the formula: map distance (in centimorgans) = (number of recombinant offspring / total number of offspring) * 100.
Calculate map distances: Use the recombination frequencies to determine the relative positions of loci on the chromosome, creating a genetic map.

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Key Concepts

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

Sex Chromosome Function

In humans, sex determination is primarily influenced by the presence of the Y chromosome. The SRY gene located on the Y chromosome triggers male development, while its absence leads to female development. The X chromosomes carry genes that are not directly involved in determining sex but are essential for various biological functions.
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Human Sex Chromosomes

Crossover and Genetic Mapping

Crossover refers to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which can result in new allele combinations. Missing expected crossover phenotypes can occur due to genetic linkage, where genes are located close together on the same chromosome, reducing the likelihood of recombination. Genetic mapping involves determining the distance between loci based on crossover frequencies.
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Mapping Overview

Map Distance Calculation

Map distance is a measure of the relative distance between genes on a chromosome, typically expressed in centimorgans (cM). It is calculated based on the frequency of recombination events; a higher frequency indicates greater distance. By analyzing the data from crossover events, one can estimate the map distances between loci, aiding in the understanding of genetic linkage and inheritance patterns.
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Related Practice
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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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 What can you conclude from the actual data about the location of the three genes in relation to one another?

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Textbook Question
Based on our discussion of the potential inaccuracy of mapping (see Figure 5.12), would you revise your answer to Problem 22? If so, how?
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Textbook Question
Traditional gene mapping has been applied successfully to a variety of organisms including yeast, fungi, maize, and Drosophila. However, human gene mapping has only recently shared a similar spotlight. What factors have delayed the application of traditional gene-mapping techniques in humans?
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Textbook Question
In a certain plant, fruit is either red or yellow, and fruit shape is either oval or long. Red and oval are the dominant traits. Two plants, both heterozygous for these traits, were testcrossed, with the following results. Determine the location of the genes relative to one another and the genotypes of the two parental plants.
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Textbook Question
Two plants in a cross were each heterozygous for two gene pairs (Ab/aB) whose loci are linked and 25 mu apart. Assuming that crossing over occurs during the formation of both male and female gametes and that the A and B alleles are dominant, determine the phenotypic ratio of their offspring.
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