In genetics, what does gene linkage refer to?

Gene linkage refers specifically to the phenomenon where genes that are located on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together during the process of meiosis. This occurs because chromosomes are passed down as whole units from one generation to the next, rather than having individual genes assorted independently when they are located close to each other on the same chromosome.

When genes are linked, they generally violate Mendel's law of independent assortment, which states that allele pairs segregate independently during gamete formation. The closer two genes are on a chromosome, the less likely they are to be separated by recombination during crossing over, a process that occurs during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments.

Understanding this concept is critical because it helps explain the inheritance patterns observed in certain traits and can have significant implications for genetic studies, breeding programs, and understanding genetic disorders. The other options touch on different aspects of genetics but do not accurately describe the specific process of gene linkage.