If genes a, b, c, and d are genetically linked to each other, does it follow that a recombination experiment would detect genetic linkage between a and d?

To determine if genes a and d are genetically linked in the presence of genes b and c, a recombination experiment can be conducted. Genetic linkage refers to the tendency of genes located close to each other on a chromosome to be inherited together more often than expected due to recombination during meiosis.

In a recombination experiment, individuals that are heterozygous for the linked genes (e.g., Ab and Cd) are crossed, and the offspring are observed for recombination events. Recombination can result in the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to the formation of new combinations of alleles.

If genes a and d are genetically linked to each other, and they are tightly linked with genes b and c, then the chance of recombination occurring between a and d would be significantly reduced. This means that the alleles of genes a and d would be inherited together more frequently than if they were unlinked.

However, it is important to note that genetic linkage is not an absolute rule. Factors such as the distance between genes on the chromosome and the frequency of recombination events can influence the degree of linkage. So, it is possible that some recombination events could occur between a and d, even if they are genetically linked due to the presence of genes b and c.

To definitively determine if genes a and d are genetically linked, the data from a recombination experiment needs to be analyzed statistically. By comparing the observed recombination events between a and d with the expected number of recombinations based on independent assortment, it is possible to determine if there is significant genetic linkage between them.