Understanding Genetic Cross Examples: Dominant & Recessive Traits Explained
Explore how genetic crosses demonstrate trait inheritance with dominant and recessive genes using simple plant examples.
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A genetic cross example involves crossing a plant with purple flowers (dominant trait, PP) with a plant having white flowers (recessive trait, pp) to observe offspring trait inheritance. All F1 generation plants will have purple flowers (Pp) but carry the recessive gene. Crossing F1 plants (Pp x Pp) results in a 3:1 ratio in F2 generation (3 purple:1 white).
FAQs & Answers
- What is a genetic cross in simple terms? A genetic cross is a method of breeding two organisms to observe how their traits are inherited in the offspring.
- What do the terms dominant and recessive mean? A dominant trait is expressed when at least one copy of the gene is present, while a recessive trait is expressed only when both gene copies are recessive.
- How do you calculate the ratio of traits in offspring? You can use a Punnett square to visualize the genetic combinations and calculate expected ratios for offspring traits.
- What can the F1 and F2 generations tell us? The F1 generation shows the first offspring from a cross, while the F2 generation shows the ratio of traits when F1 individuals breed with each other.