What is genetic segregation?
Segregation was first described by Gregor Mendel. It states that when gametes (sex cells) are formed, the two copies of the gene separate (or segregate) so that each gamete receives only one copy. This is the process of meiosis that occurs in germ cells that produce sperm and egg cells. Each germ cell starts with 2 copies of each gene located on pairs of chromosomes, (one inherited from each parent). During meiosis each chromosome copies itself, so there are now 4 copies of each chromosome which form a big bundle. Then each nucleus splits and 2 cells are formed with 2 copies of each chromosome (back where we started). There is then a second division and the 2 chromosomes segregate into different sperm or egg cells, so each has only 1 copy of each chromosome and gene. If an egg and sperm unite, then the early embryo has 2 copies of each gene and can go on to grow into a baby. I have glossed over a few things which are a bit more complicated: during meiosis when chromosomes form bundles,
