2.

CLASSICAL GENETICS
CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER
1.Extra nuclear inheritance is a consequence of presence of genes in __________
(a) Mitrochondria and chloroplasts
(b) Endoplasmic reticulum and mitrochondria
(c) Ribosomes and chloroplast
(d) Lysosomes and ribosomes
Answer: (a) Mitrochondria and chloroplasts
2. In order to find out the different types of gametes produced by a pea plant having
the genotype AaBb, it should be crossed to a plant with the genotype __________
(a) aaBB (b) AaBB (c) AABB (d) aabb
Answer: (d) aabb
3. How many different kinds of gametes will be produced by a plant having die
genotype AABbCC?
(a) Three (b) Four (c) Nine (d) Two
Answer: (d) Two
4. Which one of the following is an example of polygenic inheritance?
(a) Flower colour in MirabilisJalapa
(b) Production of male honey bee
(c) Pod shape in garden pea
(d) Skin Colour in humans
Answer: (d) Skin Colour in humans
5. In Mendel’s experiments with garden pea, round seed shape (RR) was dominant
over wrinkled seeds (rr), yellow cotyledon (YY) was dominant over green cotyledon
(yy). What are the expected phenotypes in the F2 generation of the cross RRYY xrryy?
(a) Only round seeds with green cotyledons
(b) Only wrinkled seeds with yellow cotyledons
(c) Only wrinkled seeds with green cotyledons
(d) Round seeds with yellow cotyledons an wrinkled seeds with yellow cotyledons
Answer: (d) Round seeds with yellow cotyledons an wrinkled seeds with yellow
cotyledons
6. Test cross involves __________
(a) Crossing between two genotypes with recessive trait
(b) Crossing between two F1 hybrids
(c) Crossing the F1 hybrid with a double recessive genotype
(d) Crossing between two genotypes with dominant trait
Answer: (c) Crossing the F1 hybrid with a double recessive genotype
7. In pea plants, yellow seeds are dominant to green. If a heterozygous yellow seed
pant is crossed with a green seeded plant, what ratio of yellow and green seeded plants
would you expect in generation?

1
(a) 9:3 (b) 1:3 (c) 3:1 (d) 50:50
Answer: (d) 50:50
8. The genotype of a plant showing the dominant phenotype can be determined by
__________
(a) Back cross (b) Test cross (c) Dihybrid cross (d) Pedigree analysis
Answer: (b) Test cross
9. Select the correct statement from the ones given below with respect to dihybrid
cross
(a) Tightly linked genes on the same chromosomes show very few combinations
(b) Tightly linked genes on the same chromosomes show higher combinations
(c) Genes far apart on the same chromosomes show very few recombinations
(d) Genes loosely linked on the same chromosomes show similar recombinations as
the tightly I linked ones
Answer:
(a) Tightly linked genes on the same chromosomes show very few combinations
10. Which Mendelian idea is depicted by a cross in which the F1 generation resembles
both the parents
(a) Incomplete dominance (b) Law of dominance (c) Inheritance of one gene
(d) Co-dominance
Answer: (d) Co-dominance
11. Fruit colour in squash is an example of __________
(a) Recessive epistasis (b) Dominant epistasis (c) Complementary genes
(d) Inhibitory genes
Answer: (b) Dominant epistasis
12. In his classic experiments on Pea plants, Mendel did not use __________
(a) Flowering position (b) Seed colour (c) Pod length (d) Seed shape
Answer: (c) Pod length
13. The epistatic effect, in which the hybrid cross 9:3:3:1 between AaBb Aabb is
modified as
(a) Dominance of one allele on another allele of both loci
(b) Interaction between two alleles of different loci
(c) Dominance of one allele to another alleles of same loci
(d) Interaction between two alleles of some loci
Answer: (b) Interaction between two alleles of different loci
14. In a test cross involving F1 dihybrid flies, more parental type offspring were
produced than the recombination type offspring. This indicates __________
(a) The two genes are located on two different chromosomes
(b) Chromosomes failed to separate during meiosis
(c) The two genes are linked and present on the some chromosome
(d) Both of the characters are controlled by more than one gene
Answer:(c) The two genes are linked and present on the some chromosome

2
15. The genes controlling the seven pea characters studied by Mendel are known to be
located on h6w many different chromosomes?
(a) Seven (b) Six (c) Five (d) Four
Answer: (a) Seven
16. Which of the following explains how progeny can posses the combinations of
traits that none of the parent possessed?
(a) Law of segregation (b) Chromosome theory (c) Law of independent
assortment (d) Polygenic inheritance
Answer: (d) Polygenic inheritance
17. “Gametes are never hybrid”. This is a statement of __________
(a) Law of dominance (b) Law of independent assortment (c) Law of
segregation (d) Law of random fertilization
Answer: (c) Law of segregation
18. Gene which suppresses other genes activity but does not lie on the same locus is
called as __________
(a) Epistatic (b) Supplement only (c) Hypostatic (d) Codominant
Answer:(c) Hypostatic
19. Pure tall plants are crossed with pure dwarf plants. In the F1 generation, all plants
were tall. These tall plants of generation were selfed and the ratio of tall to dwarf
plants obtained was 3:1. This is called __________
(a) Dominance (b) Inheritance (c) Codominance (d) Heredity
Answer:(a) Dominance
20. The dominant epistasis ratio is _________
(a) 9:3:3:1 (b) 12:3:1 (c) 9:3:4 (d) 9:6:1
Answer: (b) 12:3:1
21. Select the period for Mendel’s hybridization experiments.
(a) 1856 – 1863 (b) 1850 – 1870 (c) 1857-1869 (d) 1870 – 1877
Answer: (a) 1856 – 1863
22. Among the following characters which one was not considered by Mendel in his
experimentation pea?
(a) Stem – Tall or dwarf (b) Trichomal glandular or non-glandular
(c) Seed – Green or yellow (d) Pod – Inflated or constricted
Answer: (b) Trichomal glandular or non-glandular
23. The term ‘Genetics’ was introduced by __________
(a) Gregor Mendel (b) Bateson (c) Hugo de vries (d) Carl Correns
Answer: (b) Bateson
24. Which is not a correct statement?
(A) Variations are the raw materials for evolution
(B) Variations provide genetic material for natural selection
(C) It helps the individual to adapt to the changing environment
(D) Variations allow breeders to improve the crop field

3
(a) A and D
(b) B only
(c) C and D
(d) none of the above
Answer: (d) nono of the above
25. The process of removal of anthers from the flower is called __________
Answer: Emasculation
26. An allele is __________
(a) another word for a gene (b) alternate forms of a gene
(c) morphological expression of a gene (d) genetic
Answer: (b) alternate forms of a gene
27. Gregor Mendel __________
(i) was born in Czechoslovakia
(ii) did his experiments in Pisum fulvum
(iii) was the first systemic researcher in genetics
(iv) Published his results in the paper “Experiments on Plant Hybrids”
(a) All are correct
(b) (ii),(iii), (iv) are correct
(c) (i), (iii),(iv) are correct
(d) (i), (iii),(iv) are correct
Answer: (c) (i), (iii),(iv) are correct
28. Match the following:

Answer: A – (ii) B – (iv) C – (iii) D – (i)

29. How many characters studied by Mendel in pisum sativum
(a) Three (b) Five (c) Seven (d) Nine
Answer: (c) Seven
30. Mendel’s work were rediscovered by __________
(a) Hugo de Vries (b) Tschermak (c) Carl Correns (d) All the above
Answer: (d) All the above
31. Crossing of F1, to any one of the parent refers to __________
(a) selling (b) back cross (c) test cross (d) all of the above
Answer: (b) back cross

4
32. Match the following

Answer: A – (ii) B – (iv) C – (i) D – (iii)

33. In an intergenic interaction, the gene that suppresses the pherotype of a gene is
said to Crossing of F, to any one of the parent refers to __________
(a) Dominant (b) Inhibitory (c) Epistatic (d) Hypostatic
Answer: (c) Epistatic
34. Assertion (A) : Test cross is done between F2 hybrid with F1 recessive
Reason (R) : It helps to identify the homozygosity of hybrids
(a) A and R are correct R explains A
(b) A and R are incorrect
(c) A is correct R is incorrect
(d) A is incorrect R is correct
Answer:
(b) A and R are incorrect
35. Assertion (A) : Codominance is an example for intragenic interaction
Reason (R) : Interaction take place between the alleles of same gene
(a) A and R are correct R explains A
(b) A and R are incorrect
(c) A is correct R is incorrect
(d) A is incorrect R is correct
Answer:
(a) A and R are correct R explains A
36. Assertion (A) : Pleiotropic gene affects multiple traits
Reason (R) : ABO blood group is an example for Pleiotropism
(a) A and R are correct R explains A
(b) A and R are incorrect
(c) A is correct R is incorrect
(d) A is incorrect R is correct
Answer:
(c) A is correct R is incorrect
37. Assertion (A) : Cytoplasmic male sterility is a Mendelian inheritance
Reason (R) : The genes for cytoplasmic male sterility in peal maize is located at
mitochondrial DNA
(a) A and R are correct R explains A
(b) A and R are incorrect

5
(c) A is correct R is incorrect
(d) A is incorrect R is correct
Answer:
(d) A is incorrect R is correct
38. What is the phenotypic ratio in case of incomplete dominance
(a) 9 : 7 (b) 3 : 1 (c) 1 : 2 : 1 (d) 1 : 1 : 1 : 1
Answer: (c) 1 : 2 : 1
39. Identify the mismatched pair
(a) Chloroplast inheritance – Gregor Mendel
(b) Polygenic inheritance – H. Nilsson
(c) Lethal genes – E. Baur
(d) Incomplete dominance – Carl Correns
Answer:
(a) Chloroplast inheritance – Gregor Mendel
40. Statement 1 : Intergenic gene interaction occurs between alleles at same locus
Statement 2 : Co-dominance is an example for intergenic gene interaction
(a) Statement 1 is correct & Statement 2 is incorrect
(b) Statement 1 is incorrect & Statement 2 is correct
(c) Both Statements 1 & 2 are correct
(d) Both Statements 1 & 2 are incorrect
Answer:
(c) Both Statements 1 & 2 are correct
41. Statement 1 : Test cross is done between F1 individual with homozygous recessive
Statement 2 : If F1 individual is homozygous, the rate of a monohybrid cross will be
1:1
(a) Statement 1 is correct & Statement 2 is incorrect
(b) Statement 1 is incorrect & Statement 2 is correct
(c) Both Statements 1 & 2 are correct
(d) Both Statements 1 & 2 are incorrect
Answer: (a) Statement 1 is correct & Statement 2 is incorrect
42.Identify the incorrect statement
(a) In incomplete dominance, the traits are blended not the genes
(b) Incomplete dominance is noticed in Mirabilis jalapa by Carl Correns
(c) It is a type of Intragenic gene interaction
(d) Incomplete dominance F2 ratio is 1 : 3 : 1
Answer: (d) Incomplete dominance F1 ratio is 1 : 3 :1
43.In case of co-dominance, monohybrid F1 __________ is 1 : 2 : 1
(a) Genotype ratio (b) Phenotype ratio (c) Both genotype & Phenotype ratio
(d) Ratio is wrong
Answer: (c) Both genotype & Phenotype ratio

6
44. Identify the wrong statement (s)
(i) Monohybrid cross involve the inhertance of teo alleles of a gene
(ii) The dwarf traits reappeared in F2
(iii) Law of dominance was proved by monohybrid cross
(iv) F1 monohybrid was an hererozygous
(a) i and ii (b) iii and iv (c) i only (d) none of the above
Answer: (d) none of the above
45. Result of incomplete dominance is __________
(а) Intermediate genotype (b) Intermediate phenotype (c) Recessive phenotype
(d) Epistasis
Answer: (b) Intermediate phenotype
46. Heterozygous Tall mono hybrid is cross with homozygous dwarf. What will be
characteristic of offspring?
(a) 25 % recessive 75% dominant (b) 75 % recessive 25% dominant
(c) 50 % recessive 50% dominant (d) All are dominance
Answer: (c) 50 % recessive 50% dominant
47. ABO blood group is a classical example for __________
(a) Polygenic inheritance (b) Incomplete Dominance (c) Epistasis (d) Dominance
Answer: (d) Dominance
48. RR (Red) flower of Mirabilis is crossed with White (WW) flowers. Resultant
offspring are pink RW. This is an example of __________
(a) Epistasis (b) Co-dominance (c) Incomplete dominance (d) Pleiotropism
Answer: (c) Incomplete dominance
49. How many genetically different gametes are produced by a plant have genotype
TtYyRr?
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8
Answer: (d) 8
50. When a single gene influences multiple traits then the phenomenon is called
__________
(a) Pleiotropy (b) Polygenic inheritance (c) Epistasis (d) Atavism
Answer: (a) Pleiotropy
51. According to Mendel which character shown dominance.
(a) Yellow flower color (b) Yellow cotyledon color (c) Wrinkled seeds
(d) Inflated pod
Answer: (d) Inflated pod
52. Ratio of recessive epistasis is __________
(a) 12 : 3 : 1 (b) 9 : 7 (c) 9 : 3 : 4 (d) 9 : 6 : 1
Answer: (c) 9 : 3 : 4
53. According to Mendel, which is not a dominant trait?
(a) Wrinkled seeds (b) Purple flower (c) Inflated pod form (d) Axial flower portion
Answer: (a) Wrinkled seeds

7
54. Identify the allelic interaction.
(a) Domination epistasis (b) Co – dominance (c) Recessive epistasis
(d) Duplicate genes
Answer: (b) Co – dominance
55. Gametes are never hybrid’ is concluded by __________
(a) Law of dominance (b) Law of segregation (c) Law of independent environment
(d) Law of lethality
Answer: (b) Law of segregation
56. Factor hypothesis was proposed by __________
(a) Reginald Punnett (b) W. Bateson (c) Gregor Mendel (d) Carl Correns
Answer: (b) W. Bateson
57. The 1:2:1 ratio of co-dominance process Mendel’s __________
(a) Law of dominance
(b) Law of recessiveness
(c) Law of segregation
(d) Law of independent assortment
Answer:
(b) Law of recessiveness
Question 36.
Match the following:
Epistatic interaction Example
(A) Complementary genes (i) Seed capsule in xxxxx
(B) Supplementary genes (ii) Leaf color in rice plant
(C) Inhibitory genes (iii) Grain color in maize
(D) Duplicate genes (iv) Flower color in sweet peas
Answer:
A – (iv)
B – (iii)
C – (ii)
D – (i)

2 – Mark Questions
1. Name the seven contrasting traits of Mendel.
Answer:

1. Tall x Dwarf
2. yellow x Green
3. Purple x white
4. Inflated x constricted
5. axial x terminal
6. Round x wrinkled

8
 7. Green x Yellow
2. Who coined the term genetics? Also define it.
Answer:
“Genetics” is the branch of biological science which deals with the mechanism of
transmission of characters from parents to off springs. The term Genetics was
introduced by W. Bateson in 1906.
3. Name the four major subdisciplines of genetics.
Answer:
(a) Classical genetics
(b) Molecular genetics
(c) Population genetics
(d) Quantitative genetics
4.Define Heredity and variations.
Answer:
Heredity : Heredity is the transmission of characters from parents to off springs.
Variations : The organisms belonging to the same natural population or species that
shows a difference in the characteristics is called variation.
5.Mendel’s theory is a particulate theory – justify.
Answer:
Mendel’s theory of inheritance, known as the Particulate theory, establishes the
existence of minute particles or hereditary units or factors, which are now called as
genes.
6. Which organism was studied by Gregor Mendel? How many traits does he
considered on his experiments?
Answer:
Gregor Mendel selected seven pairs of characters in Pisum sativum (garden pea)
7.Name any four characters of pisum sativum that was studied by Mendel.
Answer:
Seed shape, flower color, flower position & pod color.
8. Define the terms
1. Emasculation
2. Alleles.
Answer:
1. Emasculation : Removal of anthers from the flower
2. Alleles : Alternate forms of a gene
9. Name the first and second law of Mendel.
Answer:

1. The Law of Dominance

2. The Law of Segregation

9
10.What is genotype & phenotype?
Answer:
Genotype & phenotype
1. The term genotype is the genetic constitution of an individual.
2. The term phenotype refers to the observable characteristic of an organism.
11.Write the phenotypic and genotypic ratio of monohybrid cross.
Answer:
(a) Phenotypic ratio = 3:1.
(b) Genotypic ratio =1 : 2 : 1
12. What is test cross? Why it is done?
Answer:
1. Test cross is crossing an individual of unknown genotype with a homozygous
recessive.
2. Test cross is used to identify whether an individual is homozygous or
heterozygous for dominant character.
13. State the law of independent assortment.
Answer:
When two pairs of traits are combined in a hybrid, segregation of one pair of
characters is independent to the other pair of characters. Genes that are located in
different chromosomes assort independently during meiosis.
14. Give the phenotypic ratio of
(a) Dihybrid cross
(b) Dihybrid test cross
Answer:
(a) Dihybrid cross ratio = 9 : 3 : 3 : 1
(b) Dihybrid test cross ratio = 1 : 1 : 1 : 1
15.RrYyf (F1 hybrid) rryy (recessive parent). Name the type of cross. Mention its
ratio.
Answer:
Dihybrid test cross and the ratio is 1 : 1 : 1 : 1
16. How many types of gametes are produced by a dihybrid plant. If the same plant is
self fertilized, how many second generation offsprings are developed?
Answer:
Four different gametes are produced by a dihybrid plant and on selfing, it yield 16 off
springs.
17. Write the phenotypic ratio of trihybrid cross.
Answer:
27 : 9 : 9 : 9 : 3 : 3 : 3 : 1
18. Define gene interaction.
Answer:

10
A single phenotype is controlled by more than one set of genes, each of which has two
or more alleles. This phenomenon is called Gene Interaction.
19. Classify gene interactions with an example.
The gene interactions may be
(a) Intragenic gene interaction. E.g.: Codominance
(b) Intergenic gene interaction. E.g.: Epistasis
20.Provide any four intergenic gene interactions.
Answer:
(a) Incomplete dominance
(b) Codominance
(c) Multiple alleles
(d) Pleiotropic genes are common examples for intragenic interaction.
21. Define intragenic interaction
Answer:
Interactions take place between the alleles of the same gene i.e., alleles at the same
locus is called intragenic or intralocus gene interaction.
22.In which plant does the incomplete dominance was studied by Carl Correns? Write
the ratio of the cross.
Answer:
Mirabilis Jalapa (4 o’ clock plant). Incomplete dominance ratio is 1 : 2 : 1
23.What are lethal alleles? Give example.
Answer:
An allele which has the potential to cause the death of an organism is called a Lethal
Allele.
E.g : Recessive lethality in Antirrhinum species.
24. Give the proper terminologies for the following statement
(a) Single gene affecting multiple traits
(b) Single trait affected by many genes.
Answer:
(a) Pleiotropism
(b) Poly genic inheritance
25. What is intergenic gene interactions? Give example
Answer:
Interlocus interactions take place between the alleles at different loci i.e. between
alleles of different genes.
Eg: Dominant Epistasis
26. Name any two extranuclear inheritance.
Answer:
(a) Chloroplast inheritance
(b) Mitrochondrial inheritance

11
27. What are plasmogenes?
Answer:
Plasmogenes are independent, self-replicating, extra-chromosomal units located in
cytoplasmic organelles, chloroplast and mitochondrion
28. What are extra nuclear inheritance?
Answer:
Certain characters/traits are governed and inherited by genes located in cytoplasmic
organelles (chloroplast or mitochondrion) other than nucleus. This is called extra
nuclear inheritance.
29. Why extranuclear inheritance is called as cytoplasmic inheritance.
Answer:
Extra nuclear inheritance is due to genes located on the cytoplasmic organelles such
as chloroplast and mitochondrion hence it is called cytoplasmic inheritance.
30. What is cytoplasmic male sterility?
Answer:
In Sorghum vulgare (Pearl maize), the gene located for the sterility pollens are located
in the mitochondrial DNA. This phenomenon is called as cytoplasmic male sterility.
31. What is meant by true-breeding or pure breeding lines/strain?
Answer:
True-breeding lines (Pure-breeding strains) means it has undergone continuous self-
pollination having stable trait inheritance from parent to offspring. Matings within
pure breeding lines produce offsprings having specific parental traits that are constant
in inheritance and expression for many generations. Pure line breed refers to
homozygosity only.
32. Give the names of the scientists who rediscovered Mendelism.
Answer:
 Hugo Devries
 Carl Correns
 Erich Von Tschermak
33. What is back cross?
Answer:
Back cross is a cross of F1 hybrid with any one of the parental genotypes. The back
cross is of two types; they are dominant back cross and recessive back cross. It
involves the cross between the F1 offspring with either of the two parents.
34.Define Genetics.
Answer:
It is the branch of biological science which deals with the mechanism of transmission
of characters from parent to off-springs.
35.What are multiple alleles?
Answer:
Three or more alternative forms of a gene that occupy the same locus and control the

12
expression of a single trait.
E.g: ABO blood group
36.What are the reasons for Mendel’s successes in his breeding experiment?
Answer:
 He concentrated in one or few characters at a time
 Factor are considered as character
 Pisum sativum has large bi sexual flower so emasculation is very easy for the
hybridization process or technique.
 By naturally it is a self-pollinated crop
 This crop has short duration so three or four-generation can be raised in a year
37. Explain the law of dominance in monohybrid cross.
Answer:
Law of dominance states that the offsprings of an individual with contrasting
(dissimilar) traits will only express the dominant trait in F1 generation and both the
characters are expressed in F2 generation. This law also explains the proportion of 3 :
1 ratio in F2 generation.
38. Differentiate incomplete dominance and codominance.
Answer:
Incomplete dominance:
1. Effect of one of the two alleles is more conspicuous.
2. it produces a fine mixture of the expression of two alleles.
3. The effect of hybrid is intermediate expression of the two alleles
4. It produces new phenotype.
5. The expressed new phenotype has no allele of its own
6. It has a quantitative effect.
Co – dominance :
1. The effect of both alleles is equally conspicuous.
2. No mixing effect of the two alleles
3. Both the alleles produces their effect independently.
4. Does not produce new phenotype.
5. The phenotype is combination of two phenotype and their alleles
6. A quantitative effect is absent
39. What is meant by cytoplasmic inheritance
Answer:
DNA is a universal genetic material. Genes located in nuclear chromosomes follow
Mendelian inheritance. But certain traits are governed either by the chloroplast or
mitochondrial genes. This phenomenon is known as extra nuclear inheritance. It is a
kind of Non-Mendelian inheritance. Since it involves cytoplasmic organelles such as
chloroplast and mitochondrion that act as inheritance vectors, it is also called
Cytoplasmic inheritance.

13
3– Mark Questions
1.Point out any three importance of variations.
Answer:
1. They help the individuals to adapt themselves to the changing environment.
2. Variations allow breeders to improve better yield, quicker growth, increased
resistance and lesser input.
3. They constitute the raw materials for evolution.
2. Why Mendel selected pea plants for his experiments.
Answer:
He choose pea plant because,
1. It is an annual plant and has clear contrasting characters that are controlled by a
single gene separately.
2. Self-fertilization occurred under normal conditions in garden pea plants.
Mendel used both self-fertilization and cross-fertilization.
3. The flowers are large hence emasculation and pollination are very easy for
hybridization.
3.State the law of segregation.
Answer:
The Law of Segregation (Law of Purity of gametes): Alleles do not show any
blending. During the formation of gametes, the factors or alleles of a pair separate and
segregate from each other such that each gamete receives only one of the two factors.
A homozygous parent produces similar gametes and a heterozygous parent produces
two kinds of gametes each having one allele with equal proportion. Gametes are never
hybrid.
4.How many types of gametes are produced by heterozygous dihybrid plant with a
genotypeRrYy? Write them.
Answer:
Four gametes – RY, Ry, rY, ry
5. Define trihybrid cross. Mention its F2 phenotypic ratio.
Answer:
A cross between homozygous parents that differ in three gene pairs (i.e. producing
trihybrids) is called trihybrid cross, F2 Phenotypic ratio -27 : 9 : 9 : 9 : 3 : 3 : 3 : 1
6. Define co-dominance. How it is proved by using Gossypium species?
Answer:
The phenomenon in which two alleles are both expressed in the heterozygous
individual is known as codominance. The codominance was demonstrated in plants
with the help of electrophoresis or chromatography for protein or flavonoid substance.
Example: Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium sturtianum, their F1 hybrid
(amphiploid) was tested for seed proteins i by electrophoresis. Both the parents have
different banding patterns for their seed proteins. In hybrids, additive banding pattern

14
was noticed. Their hybrid shows the presence of both the types of proteins similar to
their parents.
7.Give an account on cytoplasmic male sterility.
Answer:
Male sterility found in pearl maize (Sorgum vulgare) is the best example for
mitochondrial cytoplasmic inheritance. So it is called cytoplasmic male sterility. In
this, male sterility is inherited maternally. The gene for cytoplasmic male sterility is
found in the mitochondrial DNA.
8.Write a short note on Atavism.
Answer:
Atavism is a modification of a biological structure whereby an ancestral trait
reappears after having been lost through evolutionary changes in the previous
generations. Evolutionary traits that have disappeared phenotypically do not
necessarily disappear from an organism’s DNA. The gene sequence often remains, but
is inactive.
Such an unused gene may remain in the genome for many generations. As long as the
gene remains intact, a fault in the genetic control suppressing the gene can lead to the
reappearance of that character again. Reemergence of sexual reproduction in the
flowering plant Hieracium pilosella is the best example for Atavism in plants.
5 – Mark Questions
1.Explain Dihybrid cross in pea plant.
Answer:
The crossing of two plants differing in two pairs of contrasting traits is called dihybrid
cross. In dihybrid cross, two characters (colour and shape) are considered at a time.
Mendel considered the seed shape (round and wrinkled) and cotyledon colour (yellow
& green) as the two characters. In seed shape round (R) is dominant over wrinkled (r);
in cotyledon colour yellow (Y) is dominant over green (y).
Hence the pure breeding round yellow parent is represented by the genotype RRYY
and the pure breeding green wrinkled parent is represented by the genotype rryy.
During gamete formation the paired genes of a character assort out ‘ independently of
the other pair. During the F1 x F, fertilization each zygote with an equal probability
receives one of the four combinations from each parent. The resultant gametes thus

15
will be genetically different and they are of the following four types:

(1) Yellow round (YR) – 9/16

(2) Yellow wrinkled (Yr) – 3/16
(3) Green round (yR) – 3/16
(4) Green wrinkled (yr) -1/16

16
These four types of gametes of F1 dihybrids unite randomly in the process of
fertilization and produce sixteen types of individuals in F2 in the ratio of 9:3:3:1 as
shown in the figure. Mendel’s 9:3:3:1 dihybrid ratio is an ideal ratio based on the
probability including segregation, independent assortment and random fertilization. In
sexually reproducing organism / plants from the garden peas to human beings,
Mendel’s findings laid the foundation for understanding inheritance and
revolutionized the field of biology. The dihybrid cross and its result led Mendel to
propose a second set of generalisations that we called Mendel’s Law of independent
assortment.

17
2.How does the wrinkled gene make Mendel’s peas wrinkled? Find out the molecular
explanation.
Answer:
The protein called starch branching enzyme (SBEI) is encoded by the wild-type allele
of the gene (RR) which is dominant. When the seed matures, this enzyme SBEI
catalyzes the formation of highly branched starch molecules. Normal gene (R) has
become interrupted by the insertion of extra piece of DNA (0.8 kb) into the gene,
resulting in allele. In the homozygous mutant form of the gene (R) which is recessive,
the activity of the enzyme SBEI is lost resulting in wrinkled peas.

The wrinkled seed accumulates more sucrose and high water content. Hence Ore
osmotic pressure inside the seed rises. As a result, the seed absorbs more water and
when it matures it loses water as it dries. So it becomes wrinkled at maturation. When
the seed has at least one copy of normal dominant gene heterozygous, the dominant
allele helps to synthesize starch, amylopectin an insoluble carbohydrate, with the
osmotic balance which minimises the loss of water resulting in smooth structured
round seed.
3.Describe incomplete dominance exhibited by Mirabilis jalapa.
Answer:
The German Botanist Carl Correns’s (1905) Experiment – In 4 O’ clock plant,
Mirabilis jalapa when the pure breeding homozygous red (R1R1) parent is crossed with
homozygous white (R2R2), the phenotype of the F1 hybrid is heterozygous pink (R1R2).
The F1 heterozygous phenotype differs from both the parental homozygous phenotype.
This cross did not exhibit the character of the dominant parent but an intermediate
colour pink. When one allele is not completely dominant to another allele it shows
incomplete dominance. Such allelic interaction is known as incomplete dominance.
F1 generation produces intermediate phenotype pink coloured flower.

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When pink coloured plants of F1 generation were interbred in F2 both phenotypic and
genotypic ratios were found to be identical as 1 : 2 :1(1 red: 2 pink: 1 white).
Genotypic ratio is 1 R1 R1 : 2 R1R2 : 1 R2R2. From this we conclude that the alleles
themselves remain discrete and unaltered proving the Mendel’s Law of Segregation.
The phenotypic and genotypic ratios are the same. There is no blending of genes. In
the F1 generation R1 and R2 genes segregate and recombine to produce red, pink and
white in the ratio of 1 : 2 : 1. R1 allele codes for an enzyme responsible for the
formation of red pigment. R2 allele codes for defective enzyme.
R1 and R2 genotypes produce only enough red pigments to make the flower pink. Two
R1 R2 are needed for producing red flowers. Two R2R2 genes are needed for white
flowers. If blending had taken place, the original pure traits would not have appeared
and all F2 plants would have pink flowers. It is very clear that Mendel’s particulate
inheritance takes place in this cross which is confirmed by the reappearance of
original phenotype in F2.
4.Explain with an example how single genes affect multiple traits and alleles the
phenotype of an organism.
Answer:
In Pleiotropy, the single gene affects multiple traits and alter the phenotype of the
organism. The Pleiotropic gene influences a number of characters simultaneously and

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such genes are called a pleiotropic gene. Mendel noticed pleiotropy while performing
a breeding experiment with peas (Pisum sativum).
Peas with purple flowers, brown seeds, and dark spot on the axils of the leaves were
crossed with a variety of peas having white flowers, light-colored seeds, and no spot
on the axils of leaves, the three traits for flower colour, seed colour, and leaf axil spot
all were inherited together as a single unit. This is due to the pattern of inheritance
where the three traits were controlled by a single gene with dominant and recessive
alleles. Example: sickle cell anemia.
5. Describe dominant epistasis with an example.
Answer:
Dominant Epistasis – It is a gene interaction in which two alleles of a gene at one
locus interfere and suppress or mask the phenotypic expression of a different pair of
alleles of another gene at another locus. The gene that suppresses or masks the
phenotypic expression of a gene at another locus is known as epistatic.
The gene whose expression is interfered by non-allelic genes and prevents from
exhibiting its character is known as hypostatic. When both the genes are present
together, the phenotype is determined by the epistatic gene and not by the hypostatic
gene.
In the summer squash the fruit colour locus has a dominant allele ‘W’ for white colour
and a recessive allele ‘w’ for coloured fruit. ‘W’ allele is dominant that masks the
expression of any colour.

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Dominant epistasis in summer squash
In another locus hypostatic allele ‘G’ is for yellow fruit and its recessive allele ‘g’ for
green fruit. In the first locus the white is dominant to colour where as in the second
locus yellow is dominant to green. When the white fruit with genotype WWgg is
crossed with yellow fruit with genotype wwGG, the F1 plants have white fruit and are
heterozygous (WwGg). When F1 heterozygous plants are crossed.
they give rise to F2 with the phenotypic ratio of 12 white : 3 yellow : 1 green.Since W
is epistatic to the alleles ‘G’ and ‘g’, the white which is dominant, masks the effect of
yellow or green. Homozygous recessive ww genotypes only can give the coloured
fruits (4/16). Double recessive ‘wwgg’ will give green fruit (1/16). The Plants having
only ‘G’ in its genotype (wwGg or wwGG) will give the yellow fruit(3/l 6).
6.Explain polygenic inheritance with an example.
Answer:
Polygenic inheritance – Several genes combine to affect a single trait. A group of
genes that together Dark Red determine (contribute) a characteristic of an organism is
called polygenic inheritance. It gives explanations to the inheritance of continuous
traits which are compatible with Mendel’s Law. The first experiment on polygenic
inheritance was demonstrated by Swedish Geneticist H.

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Nilsson-Ehle (1909) in wheat kernels. Kernel colour is controlled by two genes each
with two alleles, one with red kernel colour was dominant to white. He crossed the
two pure breeding wheat varieties dark red and a white. Dark red genotypes
F1 generation R1R1R2R2 and white genotypes are r1r1r2r2 – F1 generation medium red
were obtained with the genotype R1r1R2r2. F1 wheat plant produces

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four types of gametes R1R2, R1r2, r,1r2. The intensity of the red colour is determined by
the number of R genes in the F2 generation. Four R genes: A dark red kernel colour is
obtained. Three R genes: Medium – dark red kernel colour is obtained. Two R genes:
Medium-red kernel colour is obtained. One R gene: Light red kernel colour is
obtained. Absence of R gene: Results in White kernel colour.
The R gene in an additive manner produces the red kernel colour. The number of each
phenotype is plotted against the intensity of red kernel colour which produces a bell
shaped curve. This represents the distribution of phenotype.

Conclusion: Finally the loci that was studied by Nilsson – Ehle were not linked and
the genes assorted independently. Later, researchers discovered the third gene that
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also affect the kernel colour of wheat. The three independent pairs of alleles were
involved in wheat kernel colour. Nilsson – Ehle found the ratio of 63 red : 1 white in
F2 generation – 1 : 6 : 15 : 20 : 15 : 6 : 1 in F2 generation.
7.Differentiate continuous variation with discontinuous variation.
Answer:
1. Discontinuous Variation: Within a population there are some characteristics which
show a limited form of variation.
Example: Style length in Primula, plant height of garden pea. In discontinuous
variation, the characteristics are controlled by one or two major genes which may
have two or more allelic forms.
These variations are genetically determined by inheritance factors. Individuals
produced by this variation show differences without any intermediate form between
them and there is no overlapping between the two phenotypes. The phenotypic
expression is unaffected by environmental conditions. This is also called as qualitative
inheritance
2. Continuous Variation: This variation may be due to the combining effects of
environmental and genetic factors. In a population most of the characteristics exhibit a
complete gradation, from one extreme to the other without any break. Inheritance of
phenotype is determined by the combined effects of many genes, (polygenes) and
environmental factors. This is also known as quantitative inheritance.
Example: Human height and skin color.
8.Bring out the inheritance of the chloroplast gene with an example.
Answer:
Chloroplast Inheritance

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It is found in the 4 ‘O’Clock plant (Mirabilis jalapa). In this, there are two types of
variegated leaves namely dark green-leaved plants and pale green-leaved plants.
When the pollen of dark green leaved plant (male) is transferred to the stigma of pale
green leaved plant (female) and pollen of pale green leaved plant is transferred to the
stigma of dark green leaved plant, the F1 generation of both the crosses must be
identical as per Mendelian inheritance. But in the reciprocal cross, the F1 plant differs
from each other.
In each cross, the F plant reveals the character of the plant which is used as a female
plant. This inheritance is not through the nuclear gene. It is due to the chloroplast gene
found in the ovum of the female plant which contributes to the cytoplasm during
fertilization since the male gamete contributes only to the nucleus but not the
cytoplasm.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs) Questions
1.A yellow colour flower plant indicated by YY is crossed with white color flower
plant denoted by yy.
(a) following the Mendelian inheritance pattern, what would be the flower color is
first filial generation?
(b) Which Mendelian principle is illustrated in this cross?
(c) Derive the cross and state the phenotypic ratio of yellow flowers to white flowers
in F2 generation?
Answer:
(a) F1 plants produce yellow colour flower plants.
(b) Law of dominance and Law of segregation
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(c)

2.Mala is a genetic research student. She was given a plant to identify whether it is a
homozygous or heterozygous for a particular trait. How will she proceed further?
Answer:
To identify the plant genotype whether homozygous or heterozygous Mala can
perform test cross, where the individual is crossed with homozygous recessive for the
trait. If the plant is heterozygous then the resultant progenies would be in the ratio
50:50
3.In the chart given below, ‘AA’ are the genes located in a chromosome of Pisum
sativum.
Answer:

Observe the chart and mention the genetic phenomenon does it indicates.
Pleitrophy – A single gene affecting many traits. Here the single gene AA controls the
traits – for flower colour, seed colour and leaf axil spot.
4.Give the F2 phenotypic ratio of
(a) Supplementary genes
(b) Complementary genes
(c) Dominant epistasis
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Answer:
(a) Supplementary genes – 9 : 3 : 4
(b) Complementary genes – 9 : 7
(c) Dominant epistasis -12 : 3 : 1
5.Name the respective pattern of inheritance where F1 phenotype
(a) resembles any one of the two parents
(b) is an intermediate between two parental traits.
Answer:
(a) Dominance
(b) Incomplete dominance

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