Match each specified plant genotype with the number of genetically distinct gamete types it can produce during meiosis according to Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment.
- (Heterozygous at two gene loci)4 distinct gamete types
- (Homozygous dominant at one locus and heterozygous at another)2 distinct gamete types
- (Homozygous recessive at both gene loci)1 distinct gamete type
- (Heterozygous at three independently assorting gene loci)8 distinct gamete types
Answer
The correct matches are: matches with 4 distinct gamete types; matches with 2 distinct gamete types; matches with 1 distinct gamete type; and matches with 8 distinct gamete types.
According to Mendel's Second Law, alleles of unlinked genes assort independently during meiosis. The number of genetically distinct gametes produced by an organism is given by , where is the number of heterozygous gene pairs. Thus, has 2 heterozygous pairs giving 4 gametes (), has 1 heterozygous pair giving 2 gametes (), has 0 heterozygous pairs giving 1 gamete (), and has 3 heterozygous pairs giving 8 gametes ().
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Gamete Genotype Determination and Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment
Estimated Time:45s