Law of Segregation

Definition noun Gregor Mendel's law stating that paired alleles separate during gamete formation. Consequently, each gamete would contain only one copy of every paired unit factors. Supplement This theory was found true when meiosis was extensively delineated in the following years. During anaphase II of meiosis, the genes on the homologous chromosomesseparate as the homologous chromosomes move apart from each other toward the opposite sides of the dividing cell. The Law of Segregation holds that the zygote formed from the union of gametes from its parents during fertilization contain unit factors (now calledgenes) are pure or remained uncontaminated from the time that the zygote is formed through the time that it grows and develops toward maturity. At the time that the offspring produces its own gametes, members of these paired unit factors segregate from one another and enter independently into the newly formed gametes.

Law of Independent Assortment

Definition noun Mendelian law stating that for every pair of unit factors, each of them would assort independently into the newly formed gametes. Supplement The unit factors that are being referred to in Gregor Mendel's theories are now calledgenes. In a diploid organism, the genes exist in two alternative forms called alleles. The two forms of alleles are brought together in fertilization. One set of alleles comes from thematernal gamete and the other set from the paternal gamete. During union of gametes, the alleles are paired together, forming a zygote. The zygote, which bears two sets of alleles from its parents, develops into a new organism capable of reproducing by forming its own gametes. During the formation of its own gametes, the paired alleles would separate and assort independently so that only one member goes into the gamete.

Law of Dominance
Definition noun (genetics) A Mendelian law which holds that one from the pair of alleles coding for a particular trait would be expressed whereas the other is unexpressed. The alleleexpressed for a particular trait is regarded as the dominant whereas the other (which is unexpressed) is considered recessive. Supplement For instance, a cross between two pure plant breeds for a flower trait of contrasting colors (e.g. blue and white) would result in a progeny (offspring) that bears the two alleles (each inherited from its parents) coding for the blue and white flowers. However, this progenywould produce either blue or white flower. If for instance the dominant color for the flower is blue, then, the allele coding for blue flowers would be expressed whereas the allele for white flowers would not be expressed. In this case, the recessive trait (i.e. white flower) would only be expressed in a progeny when it acquires a pair of recessive alleles from its parents.