What is the Law of Segregation?
The law of segregation, also known as Mendel’s law, is a fundamental principle of genetics that explains how alleles segregate from one another during the formation of gametes.
Mendel’s law of segregation states that each individual has two alleles for each trait, one inherited from each parent. During gamete formation, these alleles separate so that each gamete carries only one allele for each trait. This process ensures genetic diversity and is essential for the reproduction of sexually reproducing organisms. For example, in pea plants, the allele for tall plants (T) and the allele for short plants (t) will segregate into gametes, leading to various combinations in the offspring.