Therefore, unlinked genes may either reside on different chromosomes or reside far apart on the same chromosome. ... Thus, crossing over between two particular genes on the same chromosome can be used as an indirect indicator of the distance between the two genes.

Do linked or unlinked genes crossover?

1: Linked genes can be separated by recombination: The process of crossover, or recombination, occurs when two homologous chromosomes align during meiosis and exchange a segment of genetic material. Here, the alleles for gene C were exchanged. The result is two recombinant and two non-recombinant chromosomes.

What happens if genes are unlinked?

Key points: When genes are found on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome, they assort independently and are said to be unlinked. When genes are close together on the same chromosome, they are said to be linked.