An individual possesses two alleles at a locus and these two alleles separate when gametes are formed, one allele going into each gamete. This genetic concept is known as
a. the chromosome theory of heredity.
b. principle of segregation.
c. concept of dominance.
d. principle of independent assortment.
e. reciprocal cross.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b. principle of segregation.
Explanation:
The principle of segregation is one of the fundamental laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel, which states that an individual has two alleles for each gene (one inherited from each parent), and these alleles separate (or segregate) during gamete formation. When gametes are formed, only one of the two alleles for each gene is passed on to the offspring. This ensures that each gamete (egg or sperm) carries only one allele from each gene pair. The principle of segregation occurs during meiosis, the process of cell division that results in the formation of gametes.
Mendel’s experiments with pea plants provided the basis for this principle. In his experiments, Mendel observed that traits are inherited as discrete units (now known as genes), and each individual carries two copies of each gene—one from each parent. When these organisms reproduce, the two alleles for a gene separate and are randomly distributed into the offspring.
To summarize, the principle of segregation describes how allele pairs separate during the formation of gametes, and each gamete receives one allele from each pair. This concept is critical in understanding how genetic traits are inherited, ensuring that offspring inherit a random combination of alleles from their parents.
The other answer choices are:
- a. the chromosome theory of heredity: This theory states that genes are carried on chromosomes, which are inherited during sexual reproduction.
- c. concept of dominance: This refers to the idea that one allele can mask the expression of another allele (dominant vs. recessive).
- d. principle of independent assortment: This principle states that genes located on different chromosomes are inherited independently of one another, but this is distinct from segregation, which deals with alleles of the same gene.
- e. reciprocal cross: This term refers to a cross in which the sexes of the parents are switched to see if the offspring’s traits are influenced by the parent’s sex.