How many different types of gametes can be formed by individuals of the following genotypes: (a) AaBb, (b) AaBB, (c) AaBbCc, (d) AaBBcc, (e) AaBbcc, and (f) AaBbCcDdEe? What are the gametes in each case?
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insert step 1: Understand that the number of different types of gametes an individual can produce is determined by the number of heterozygous gene pairs. Each heterozygous pair can produce two different alleles, leading to different combinations.
insert step 2: For each genotype, identify the number of heterozygous pairs. For example, in genotype (a) AaBb, both A/a and B/b are heterozygous.
insert step 3: Use the formula 2^n to calculate the number of different gametes, where n is the number of heterozygous pairs. For AaBb, n = 2, so the number of gametes is 2^2.
insert step 4: List the possible gametes by considering all combinations of alleles from the heterozygous pairs. For AaBb, the gametes are AB, Ab, aB, and ab.
insert step 5: Repeat the process for each genotype, identifying heterozygous pairs, calculating the number of gametes, and listing the possible gametes.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Gamete Formation
Gamete formation occurs through a process called meiosis, where diploid cells divide to produce haploid gametes. Each gamete carries one allele from each gene, leading to genetic variation. The number of different gametes that can be formed is determined by the combinations of alleles present in the parent genotype.
Independent assortment is a principle of genetics stating that alleles for different genes segregate independently of one another during gamete formation. This means that the inheritance of one trait generally does not affect the inheritance of another, allowing for a variety of combinations in the resulting gametes.
A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the genetic makeup of offspring from parental genotypes. It helps visualize the combinations of alleles that can occur when gametes fuse during fertilization. By setting up a Punnett square for each genotype, one can easily determine the types and numbers of gametes produced.
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