Feature

Complementation Test

Recombination Test

Purpose

Determines if mutations are in the same gene (allelic) or different genes (non-allelic).

Maps the relative positions of genes on a chromosome.

Type of Mutations

Mutations produce the same phenotype (e.g., non-functional enzyme).

Mutations are located on the same chromosome but may or may not be in the same gene.

Crossing

Involves crossing individuals with different mutations to observe the phenotype of offspring.

Involves crossing individuals to observe the frequency of recombinant offspring.

Outcome

Determines complementation: wild-type phenotype (non-allelic) or mutant phenotype (allelic).

Determines genetic distance: frequency of recombinant offspring indicates distance between genes.

Genetic Interaction

Tests for genetic interaction: whether mutations can complement each other.

Tests for genetic linkage: whether mutations are inherited together more frequently than expected by chance.

Example

Crosses between flies with different white-eye mutations to see if they complement.

Crosses between organisms with known genetic markers to determine map distances.

Summary

  • Complementation Test: Determines if mutations producing the same phenotype are in the same gene (allelic) or different genes (non-allelic) by observing the phenotype of hybrid offspring.
  • Recombination Test: Maps the relative positions of genes on a chromosome by observing the frequency of recombinant offspring resulting from crosses between individuals with known genetic markers.

These tests are fundamental in genetics for understanding gene interactions and chromosome mapping, respectively.