K-Factor

What is the K-factor and how is it used in genetic research?

The K-factor or, as it is also called, the crossover factor (from the English cross-over - “crossing”) is a characteristic of the Mendelian genetic system, reflecting the probability of the exchange of genetic material between daughter cells during cell division (mitosis).

How does the K-factor help in genetic research? The K-factor allows you to generate unique groups of animals depending on how actively the exchange of genetic material occurs during the process of mitosis. Knowing the K-factor of a certain population of organisms, it is possible to study the differences between them in the degree of genetic similarity and determine the influence of various factors on their distribution, fertility and viability by comparing the genetic component.