In pea plants, the allele for the purple flowers, P, is dominant over the allele for white flowers, p. Which conclusion about phenotype and genotype is possible?
If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be Pp.
If a plant has purple flowers, then its genotype must be Pp.
If a plant has purple flowers, then its genotype must be PP.
If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
The correct conclusion about phenotype and genotype in pea plants is:
If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
To determine which conclusion about phenotype and genotype is possible in pea plants, we need to understand the concepts of dominance and genotypes.
In this case, we know that the allele for purple flowers (P) is dominant over the allele for white flowers (p). The presence of a dominant allele (P) will result in the corresponding phenotype, which is purple flowers. The recessive allele (p) will only be expressed as the phenotype (white flowers) if it is present in a homozygous state (both alleles are p).
Now, let's evaluate each statement:
1. If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be Pp.
This statement is not accurate. If a plant has white flowers, it means that it doesn't have the dominant purple allele (P). Therefore, its genotype should be pp, where both alleles are p.
2. If a plant has purple flowers, then its genotype must be Pp.
This statement is partially correct. If a plant has the purple flower phenotype, it means it must have at least one dominant allele P. However, we cannot determine the presence of the recessive allele (p) solely based on the phenotype. The genotype could be either PP or Pp.
3. If a plant has purple flowers, then its genotype must be PP.
This statement is incorrect. While it's true that a plant with purple flowers must have at least one dominant P allele, it doesn't mean that it must be homozygous (both alleles being P). As mentioned earlier, the genotype could be either PP or Pp.
4. If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
This statement is correct. If a plant has white flowers, it means it lacks the dominant allele P. Therefore, its genotype must be pp, meaning both alleles are p.
Based on the above explanations, the correct conclusion would be:
If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
What is a phenotype of an organism?
a section of DNA
an observable trait
a structure that carries genetic information
An observable trait is the correct definition of a phenotype. It refers to the physical or observable characteristics of an organism, such as its appearance, behavior, or other traits. Phenotypes are influenced by both genetic factors and environmental influences.
What is an allele?
a dominant form of a gene
the location of a gene on a chromosome
the trait a gene controls
a form of a gene