Linkage map

Linkage map is a genetic map of a species or experimental population that shows the position of its known genes or genetic markers relative to each other in terms of recombination frequency, rather than a specific physical distance along each chromosome. Linkage maps were first developed by Thomas Hunt Morgan and his students in the early 20th century. They are still used today, especially in breeding programs for plants and animals.

History

The concept of the linkage map was first proposed by Alfred Sturtevant, one of Morgan's students. Sturtevant suggested that the amount of crossing over between linked genes would be proportional to the distance separating them on the chromosome. This idea was based on the observation that recombination between two distant genes occurs more frequently than between two close genes.

Construction

Linkage maps are constructed using data from genetic crosses. The frequency of recombination between different genes is calculated, which provides an estimate of their relative positions on the chromosome. This is done by tracking the assortment of alleles in a number of individuals in a population.

Uses

Linkage maps are used in genetic engineering and genomics to locate and clone genes responsible for certain traits. They are also used in breeding programs to select for desirable traits in plants and animals.

See also

• Genetic recombination
• Genetic mapping
• Genome project
• Quantitative trait locus

References

Linkage map Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia