Which Loci Are Linked?

If the genes are far apart on a chromosome, or on different chromosomes, the recombination frequency is 50%. In this case, inheritance of alleles at the two loci are independent. If the recombination frequency is less than 50% we say the two loci are linked.

What does it mean to say that two loci are linked?

When genes are close together on the same chromosome, they are said to be linked. That means the alleles, or gene versions, already together on one chromosome will be inherited as a unit more frequently than not.

What are genes with linked loci?

When two genes are close together on the same chromosome, they do not assort independently and are said to be linked. Whereas genes located on different chromosomes assort independently and have a recombination frequency of 50%, linked genes have a recombination frequency that is less than 50%.