Classical Genetics 1

Question 1

Why was Mendel’s experiment successful?

Answer 1

He chose a suitable organism
Pea varieties available with various traits
Could “cross” pea plants with contrasting traits
Demonstrated good experimental technique
Genetics were simple - discrete traits and determined by a single gene (monogenic)

Question 2

What is the Law of Segregation?

Answer 2

During the formation of gametes the paired alleles segregate so that each gamete receives one or the other of the pair with equal chance
Test crosses confirmed Mendel’s Law of Segregation

Question 3

What is the Law of Independent Assortment

Answer 3

During the formation of gametes the alleles of a gene segregate independently from other pairs

Question 4

How was independent assortment confirmed?

Answer 4

trihybrid cross

Question 5

What is the wild type?

Answer 5

Wild type is the most prevalent form of the gene
Wild type encodes functional gene
Mutant encodes interrupted gene
Mutations of haplo-sufficient genes are usually recessive

Question 6

What is an allele?
What is an autosome?

Answer 6

Alleles - different versions of the same gene
Autosomes - non sex chromosomes