Suppose an F₁ plant from Problem 16 is crossed to the pure-breeding green, round parental strain. Use a forked-line diagram to predict the phenotypic distribution of the resulting progeny.

Key Concepts

Mendelian Genetics

Mendelian genetics is the study of how traits are inherited through generations based on the principles established by Gregor Mendel. It involves understanding dominant and recessive alleles, where dominant traits mask the expression of recessive ones. This framework is essential for predicting the phenotypic outcomes of genetic crosses.

Phenotype and Genotype

The phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, such as color and shape, while the genotype is the genetic makeup that determines these traits. In genetic crosses, understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype is crucial for predicting the traits of offspring based on parental combinations.

Forked-Line Diagram

A forked-line diagram is a visual tool used in genetics to represent the possible combinations of alleles from two parents. It helps in predicting the phenotypic ratios of offspring by systematically laying out the potential gametes from each parent and their combinations. This method simplifies the analysis of complex inheritance patterns.