In mice, black coat color is dominant to white coat color. In the pedigree shown here, mice with a black coat are represented by darkened symbols, and those with white coats are shown as open symbols. Using allele symbols B and b, determine the genotypes for each mouse. 

Verified step by step guidance

1. span>Step 1: Understand the genetic basis of coat color in mice. The black coat color (B) is dominant over the white coat color (b). This means that a mouse with at least one B allele will have a black coat, while a mouse with two b alleles will have a white coat.</span
2. span>Step 2: Analyze the pedigree chart. Identify the phenotype of each mouse (black or white coat) based on the symbols provided (darkened for black, open for white).</span
3. span>Step 3: Assign possible genotypes to each mouse. Start with the white-coated mice, as they must be homozygous recessive (bb) since white is the recessive trait.</span
4. span>Step 4: For black-coated mice, consider both homozygous dominant (BB) and heterozygous (Bb) possibilities. Use the information from the offspring and parents to deduce the most likely genotype.</span
5. span>Step 5: Use Mendelian inheritance rules to confirm the genotypes. Check if the genotypes you assigned can produce the observed phenotypes in the offspring, considering the dominant and recessive allele interactions.</span

Key Concepts

Dominant and Recessive Alleles

In genetics, alleles are different forms of a gene. A dominant allele, represented by a capital letter (e.g., B), masks the effect of a recessive allele (e.g., b) when both are present in an organism. This means that if an organism has at least one dominant allele, it will express the dominant trait, such as black coat color in mice.

Genotype vs. Phenotype

The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the alleles it possesses (e.g., BB, Bb, or bb). The phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical trait resulting from the genotype, such as coat color in mice. Understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype is crucial for predicting traits in offspring.

Pedigree Analysis

A pedigree is a diagram that depicts the genetic relationships and inheritance patterns within a family or group. It uses symbols to represent individuals and their phenotypes, allowing for the tracking of traits across generations. Analyzing a pedigree helps determine the genotypes of individuals based on their phenotypes and the inheritance patterns observed.