MCDB 2150 Fall 1998 Review Questions


Revised September 13, 1998 (added question 11 and fixed minor typos).

Lecture 3: Monohybrid Crosses, Genetic Segregation, Dominance

1. Model systems are widely used in the study of genetics.

a. What properties are desirable in a genetic model system and why?
b. What model system did Mendel use for his studies?
c. What desirable properties did Mendel's model system have?
d. By modern standards, what weaknesses did Mendel's model system have?
2. Mendel spent his first two years verifying that his variants were true-breeding. Why was this important?

3. What experiment disproved the then-popular blending theory of inheritance?

4. Which of Mendel's experimental results provided evidence for the particulate nature of inheritance. Describe the evidence.

5. Distinguish between genotypic ratio and phenotypic ratio. Include in your answer values for both ratios for the F2 generation of a monohybrid cross in which there is full dominance.

6. What result would you expect for a test cross of each of the following:

a. The F1 hybrid formed by crossing a true-breeding round pea with a true breeding wrinkled.
b. A true-breeding tall pea plant.
c. A true-breeding short pea plant.
d. The F2 progeny of a monohybrid cross in which there is full dominance when those that exhibit the dominant phenotype are tested one at a time.
e. The F2 progeny of a monohybrid cross in which there is full dominance when those that exhibit the recessive phenotype are tested one at a time.
7. Define each of the following terms and explain its significance in the study of genetics.
a. Allele
b. Genetic locus
c. Self-fertilization
d. Equal Segregation
f. F2
g. Test cross
h. Back cross
i. Phenotype
j. Heterozygous.
8. What is a Punnett square and what is it used for. Include in your answer an example of a Punnett square for an F2 generation in which there is full dominance.

9. Explain how Mendel used predictions and experimental testing of predictions to test his postulates about the nature of inheritance in monohybrid crosses.

10. What convention is used to distinguish between dominant and recessive alleles in the naming of genes in peas? What major area of ambiguity remains in the naming of genes in peas?

11. Briefly summarize the conventions that are used for naming genetic loci in Drosophila and explain how they differ from the conventions used to describe genetic loci in peas.

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