Genes that remain linked are those

Analyze the question: It asks which genes stay together (are "linked") when gametes form and traits are inherited.

Concept: Linked genes are genes located on the same chromosome. Because they sit on the same chromosome, they tend to be inherited together. The closer they are to each other, the less likely crossing over (during prophase I of meiosis) is to separate them. Genes that are far apart are more likely to be separated by crossing over, so they show a higher recombination frequency.

Evaluating the options:

• A. Close to each other on the chromosomes: Correct. Proximity on the same chromosome is what keeps genes linked, since crossing over rarely separates them.
• B. On the same locus: Incorrect. A locus is the position of a single gene. Only alleles of the same gene share a locus, and they do not form a linkage group.
• C. On the homologous chromosomes: Not the best answer. Homologous chromosomes are pairs, one from each parent. Genes at different loci on separate homologous pairs would assort independently (Mendel's law of independent assortment), and genes on the two different members of a pair are not "linked" in this sense. Linkage refers to genes on the same chromosome.
• D. Which are allelic pair: Incorrect. Alleles are alternative forms of one gene. They separate during meiosis (law of segregation) and are not linked.

Tip: Remember "Linked = Located together on the same chromosome." The closer the genes, the stronger the linkage. If an option says "close together on the chromosome," it is usually the answer for linkage questions.