Genetic linkage

Genetic linkage refers to the phenomenon where certain genes are located close to each other on the same chromosome, causing them to be inherited together more often than not. Because they are physically near each other, they tend to be passed down as a group during reproduction, rather than independently. This proximity affects genetic variation and can influence how traits are inherited, making some gene combinations more common than expected if genes assorted independently. Genetic linkage is important in understanding inheritance patterns, mapping gene locations, and studying genetic diseases.