Coupled genes

Term in genetics. If genes on a chromosome are very close together (they are < 50 million base pairs apart), they can be inherited together. Linkage means that the independence rule does not apply to these genes. To find this out, a copying analysis is carried out. This determines how often recombination (a shuffling of information, also known as cossind-over, which occurs in homologous genes during meiosis) of two or more genes takes place. If genes on the chromosome are close enough to each other, they are linked in >50 percent of cases.

1. Hlavacek WS et al. (1996) Rules for coupled expression of regulator and effector genes in inducible circuits. J Mol Biol 255:121-39.