Explanation

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance Walter Sutton and Theodore Boveri noted that the behavior of chromosomes was parallel to the behaviour of genes and used chromosome movement to explain Mendel’s laws. [image:5c_image32.emf] Law of segregation interpreted on the basis of genes or factors (solid and hollow) situated on two homologous chromosomes. Comparison between the Behaviour of Chromosomes and Genes [table] Chromosomes | Genes ; Segregate at the time of gamete formation such that only one of each pair is transmitted to a gamete Independent pairs segregate independently of each other | Segregate of gamete formation and only one of each pair is transmitted to a gamete One pair segregates independently of another pair [/table] Sutton and Boveri argued that the pairing and separation of a pair of chromosomes would lead to the segregation of a pair of factors they carried. Sutton united the knowledge of chromosomal segregation with Mendelian principles and called it the chromosomal theory of inheritance. Experimental verification of chromosomal theory of inheritance was given by Thomas Hunt Morgan. Morgan worked with tiny fruitfly (Drosphila melanogaster)