Q30
3 marksShort AnswerSection C

List two differences between dominant traits and recessive traits. What percentage of pea plants in the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation were with yellow seeds in Mendel's cross between the pea plants having yellow (YY) and green coloured (yy) seeds?

Heredity
Rules for the Inheritance of Traits – Mendel's Contributions
Official Answer

Differences between Dominant and Recessive Traits:


FeatureDominant TraitRecessive Trait
ExpressionExpressed in both homozygous (e.g., YYYY) and heterozygous (e.g., YyYy) conditions.Expressed only in the homozygous (e.g., yyyy) condition.
Allele RequirementA single copy of the allele is sufficient for the trait to be expressed.Both copies of the allele must be identical (recessive) for the trait to be expressed.



Percentage of Yellow Seeds in F2\mathrm{F}_2 Generation:


In a cross between yellow-seeded (YYYY) and green-seeded (yyyy) pea plants:

  • The F1\mathrm{F}_1 generation consists entirely of heterozygous yellow-seeded plants (YyYy).
  • Self-pollination of F1\mathrm{F}_1 plants (Yy×YyYy \times Yy) yields the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation with a phenotypic ratio of 33 Yellow : 11 Green.
  • Therefore, the percentage of yellow-seeded plants in the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation is 75%75\%.
dominantrecessivehomozygousheterozygous75%3:1 ratioF2 generationYYYyyy

Marking Scheme

  • 1Stating two clear differences between dominant and recessive traits (e.g., expression in heterozygous state vs homozygous state only). (1 mark)
  • 2Showing the cross or Punnett square for the F1\mathrm{F}_1 and F2\mathrm{F}_2 generations. (1 mark)
  • 3Calculating and stating the correct percentage of yellow-seeded plants (75%75\%) in the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation. (1 mark)

Hint

Recall that yellow (YY) is dominant over green (yy). In the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation of a monohybrid cross, the phenotypic ratio of dominant to recessive traits is always 3:13:1. Convert this ratio into a percentage.

Quick Oral Answer

A dominant trait is expressed in both homozygous and heterozygous states (like YYYY and YyYy), whereas a recessive trait is only expressed in the homozygous state (like yyyy). In a monohybrid cross between yellow and green seed plants, the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation has 75%75\% yellow-seeded plants.

Analysis & Explanation

According to Mendelian inheritance, traits are controlled by pairs of alleles (factors). A dominant allele (like YY for yellow color) masks the expression of a recessive allele (like yy for green color) in a heterozygous individual (YyYy). Thus, the F1\mathrm{F}_1 generation shows only the dominant phenotype (yellow). When these F1\mathrm{F}_1 plants self-pollinate, the recessive trait reappears in the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation in a 3:13:1 phenotypic ratio (dominant to recessive). This demonstrates that the alleles segregate during gamete formation and recombine randomly, resulting in 75%75\% of the offspring displaying the dominant yellow phenotype and 25%25\% displaying the recessive green phenotype.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing the F1\mathrm{F}_1 generation (which has 100%100\% yellow seeds) with the F2\mathrm{F}_2 generation (which has 75%75\% yellow seeds).
  2. 2Writing the genotypic ratio (1:2:11:2:1) instead of the phenotypic ratio (3:13:1) to calculate the percentage.
  3. 3Incorrectly stating that dominant traits can only express in homozygous conditions.

Interesting Facts

Mendel chose garden peas (*Pisum sativum*) because they have distinct contrasting characters, a short life cycle, and can easily be self-pollinated or cross-pollinated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2024?

This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Heredity" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Rules for the Inheritance of Traits – Mendel's Contributions" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section C in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper.