Unit of genetic recombination frequency for gene loci or markers on the same chromosome. A centimorgan is not an absolute measure, but a relative one. 1 centimorgan corresponds to a recombination frequency of 1%. The term centimorgan is used in two ways:
- relative distance The relative distance between two gene loci on the same chromosome. Example: if the progeny shows recombination between two loci is 1%, then distance between both loci positions is said to be 1 cM.
- probability for genetic linkage / crossing-over
The probability that two genes on the same chromosome will recombine independent of each other (uncoupled) during meiosis. Example: 1 cM corresponds to a chance of 1% that a marker will become separated from a second marker on the same chromosome due to crossing-over at meiosis.
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