Describe the significance of the Law of Segregation and its relationship with cell division.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "cell 'law of segregation'" to get these possible sources:
http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa100903a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendelian_inheritance
http://www.holycross.edu/departments/biology/whealy/notes_text/g.text
http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-dictionary/Segregation/
http://www.ndsu.edu/instruct/mcclean/plsc431/mendel/mendel1.htm
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
The Law of Segregation, also known as Mendel's First Law of Heredity, is a fundamental principle in genetics discovered by Gregor Mendel in the mid-19th century. It describes the process by which genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next.
The Law of Segregation states that during the formation of gametes (reproductive cells), the two copies of each hereditary factor (gene) separate so that offspring inherit one copy from each parent. In other words, the two alleles of a gene segregate during the formation of reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs.
This law is closely related to cell division, specifically to the process called meiosis. Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, such as animals and plants. During meiosis, the cells undergo two successive divisions, resulting in the formation of four genetically distinct haploid cells (gametes).
The process of meiosis ensures the segregation of alleles or genetic material in the reproductive cells. It occurs in two stages: meiosis I and meiosis II. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called recombination or crossing over. This shuffling of genetic material maximizes genetic diversity. Then, in anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring the segregation of alleles.
During meiosis II, which is similar to mitosis, the sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, four genetically distinct haploid cells (gametes) are formed, each carrying only one copy of each gene.
Overall, the Law of Segregation explains the pattern of inheritance by detailing how genetic traits are passed from parent to offspring through the process of meiosis. It helps us understand why offspring differ from their parents and how genetic variation is maintained in populations.