Mendel would not have seen four different phenotypes in the F₂ generation of his dihybrid crosses if A)the genes were on the same chromosomes. B)the P₁ generation was homozygous. C)purple was dominant to white. D)more than two traits were traced. E)all of these are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the genes were on the same chromosomes (i.e. not on different chromosomes which undergo independent assortment), then the expected phenotypic ratio would not be 9:3:3:1, which is what Mendel observed in his dihybrid crosses. Instead, he would only see two phenotypes in the F2 generation: one that expresses both dominant traits and one that expresses both recessive traits.

Mendel Would Not Have Seen Four Different Phenotypes in the F2

Mendel Would Not Have Seen Four Different Phenotypes in the F₂