Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance - CSIR NET

Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

In 1902, Walter S. Sutton and T. Boveri proposed the chromosomal theory of heredity.

• The theory provides a way to explain how cellular transmission or chromosomes passes genetic determinant (i.e. genes) from parent to offspring.

According to this view:

• The chromosome contains the genetic material (genes) that is transmitted from parent to offspring.

• Chromosomes are replicated & passed along generation after generation from parent to offspring.

• The nuclei of most eukaryotic cells contain chromosomes that are found in homologous pairs (i.e. they are diploid).

• One member of each pair segregates into one daughter nucleus & the other segregates into different daughter nucleus. Therefore, gametes contain one set of chromosomes (i.e. they are haploid).

• During gamete formation, different types of chromosomes segregate independently of each other.

• Each parent contributes one set of chromosomes to its offspring. Hence, the chromosome theory of inheritance describes the relationship between Mendel's Law & chromosomal transmission.

Fig: Segregation of homologous chromosome during meiosis explains Mendel's law of segregation