Understanding the Importance of Test Crosses in Genetics
Learn why geneticists use test crosses to determine genotypes and clarify hereditary patterns.
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Geneticists conduct test crosses to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant trait. By crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual, the offspring's phenotype reveals whether the parent is homozygous dominant or heterozygous, clarifying hereditary patterns.
FAQs & Answers
- What is a test cross in genetics? A test cross is a breeding experiment designed to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.
- Why is a test cross important for geneticists? It helps geneticists clarify hereditary patterns and understand whether the genotype of the dominant individual is homozygous or heterozygous.
- What does a dominant trait mean? A dominant trait is expressed in an individual's phenotype even when only one copy of the associated gene is present.
- What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous? Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a trait, while heterozygous refers to having two different alleles.