The Chromosomal Theory
"Chromosomal theory of inheritance" was put forth by Sutton and Boveri. It is a theory of genetics which identifies chromosomes as the carrier of genetic material.
It states that :
• Gametes (sperms and egg) carry all the hereditary characters. They are the link between parents and offspring.
• Nucleus of gametes contains chromosomes which carry all the hereditary characters.
• Chromosomes are found in pairs in somatic of diploid cells.
• During gamete formation homologous chromosomes pair and segregate or separate independently at meiosis. Thus each gamete contains only one chromosome of a pair.
• During fertilization, the union of sperm and egg restores the diploid number of chromosomes.