Segregation separates allele pairs into gametes, while independent assortment separates different chromosome pairs independently during meiosis in inheritance problems in inheritance problems.
Coverage 2013–2021 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Segregation separates the two alleles of a gene into different gametes; independent assortment gives unlinked gene pairs independent gamete combinations.
Homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I, so their alleles segregate. Each bivalent orients independently at metaphase I, so maternal and paternal homologues enter daughter cells in different combinations.
For AaBb with unlinked loci, segregation and random bivalent orientation predict AB, Ab, aB and ab gametes in equal proportions.
The probability of an A gamete is 1/2 and of a B gamete is 1/2, so the unlinked-model probability of AB is 1/2 × 1/2 = 1/4.
Independent assortment applies to unlinked genes; closely linked loci can produce unequal parental and recombinant gamete frequencies.
This objective is assessed through structured response, commonly using Outline / Determine / Identify.
Outline / Determine / Identify
Build the answer around this relationship: Segregation gives each gamete one allele from each pair.
Representative question
Outline the relationship between Mendel's law of independent assortment and meiosis.
HL D3.2 is secure when chromosome behaviour explains the ratios: segregation and independent assortment produce unlinked dihybrid expectations, gene loci explain linkage, recombinants reveal crossing over, and chi-squared decides whether observed counts fit the expected model.
HL inheritance transfer is about deciding whether the expected ratio should be Mendelian or linked, then testing the evidence. Start from meiosis and gene location, predict gametes or ratios, identify parental and recombinant classes, and use chi-squared when observed counts need a statistical conclusion.
