Seminar 17: Generating new genetic combinations across multiple gene loci

Question 1

What is the CHARACTERISTIC ratio of a dihybrid cross for 2 genes that assort INDEPENDENTLY?

Answer 1

9 : 3 : 3 : 1

Question 2

How to determine if a trait is polygenic (multiple genes that contribute to a trait)?

Answer 2

Look for continuous variation in the population instead of DISTINCT categories/variations (seen in traits controlled by only 1 gene)

Question 3

define Epistasis

Answer 3

Genetic interaction where the expression of one gene influences or modifies the expression of another gene
- can lead to one gene masking or suppressing the effect of another, resulting in a phenotype different from what would be expected if the genes acted independently