Which statement summarizes the law of segregation

Subject : Biology

Question: Which statement summarizes the law of segregation?

A) Gametes are passed in pairs, groups, or sets.

B) Traits that are dominant mask traits that are recessive.

C) Gametes carry one allele for each trait.

D) Traits are passed independently of one another.

Expert Verified Solution:

The statement that best summarizes the law of segregation is:

C) Gametes carry one allele for each trait.

Explanation:

The Law of Segregation is one of Mendel’s fundamental principles of inheritance. It states that during the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells), the two alleles for a given trait separate, or segregate so that each gamete carries only one allele for each trait.

Here’s how the other options relate to genetic principles:

Gametes are passed in pairs, groups, or sets.: This statement is incorrect because gametes contain only one allele per trait, not pairs or groups.

Traits that are dominant mask traits that are recessive.: This statement describes the concept of dominance, not the Law of Segregation. It explains how dominant traits can overshadow recessive traits in phenotype expression.

Traits are passed independently of one another.: This statement describes the Law of Independent Assortment, which states that genes for different traits are passed independently of one another, not the Law of Segregation.

Thus, the correct summary of the Law of Segregation is that gametes carry only one allele for each trait.