What does the law of independent assortment state about genes?

The law of independent assortment, which was formulated by Gregor Mendel based on his pea plant experiments, states that genes for different traits are passed independently of one another from parents to offspring. This means that the inheritance of one trait does not influence the inheritance of another trait.

When considering the concept of independent assortment, it is important to understand that genes located on different chromosomes assort independently during meiosis. This leads to genetic variation in offspring since any combination of traits can occur. For example, if one gene determines flower color and another determines plant height, the inheritance of flower color will not affect the inheritance of height; each gene segregates independently during gamete formation.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects this principle by emphasizing that genes are inherited as distinct, independent units. This principle plays a crucial role in the study of genetics and helps explain the variety of traits seen in living organisms.