separation of alleles during gamete formation
The separation of alleles during gamete formation is known as the Law of Segregation, which is one of the fundamental principles of genetics proposed by Gregor Mendel. According to this law, during the formation of gametes (sperm or egg cells), the two alleles for each gene segregate from each other, so that each gamete only carries one allele for each gene.
This separation occurs during meiosis, a specialized type of cell division that produces gametes. During meiosis, the pairs of homologous chromosomes align and then separate, with one chromosome from each pair going to each daughter cell. This leads to the separation of alleles, ensuring that each gamete receives only one copy of each gene.
The Law of Segregation explains why offspring inherit one allele for each gene from each parent. When fertilization occurs, the sperm and egg fuse, combining their genetic material and creating a new individual with a complete set of two alleles for each gene.