What are linked genes?

Linked genes are defined as genes that are located close together on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together during the process of cell division. This close proximity means that when one of the genes is passed on to the next generation, the likelihood of the other gene being inherited is also high. This phenomenon occurs due to the physical nature of chromosomes, where genes that are situated near one another are less likely to be separated by recombination during meiosis, a process that involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

In contrast, genes located far apart or on different chromosomes do not exhibit this tendency to be inherited together due to a higher chance of recombination occurring between them. Additionally, genes responsible for different traits can still be linked or unlinked depending on their locations on the chromosomes. Genes that mutate frequently may not necessarily be linked genes, as mutation frequency is not a determining factor for the inheritance pattern governed by genetic linkage. Hence, the definition involving genes close together on the same chromosome fully captures the concept of linked genes in genetics.