In Mendel's experiment, when F1 generation plants were self-pollinated, what was the genotypic ratio?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) 1:2:1

Explanation: In Mendel's experiment, when the F1 generation plants (which were all hybrids, typically with the genotype Aa) were self-pollinated, the resulting F2 generation exhibited a genotypic ratio of 1:2:1. This means:

• 1 homozygous dominant (AA)
• 2 heterozygous (Aa)
• 1 homozygous recessive (aa)

This ratio is a typical result of a monohybrid cross, where the F1 generation is a cross between two pure-breeding (homozygous) plants with different traits.

Information Booster:

Key Concepts in Mendel's Experiment

1. Law of Segregation: Mendel's experiment demonstrated the Law of Segregation, which states that every individual has two alleles for a gene (one from each parent), and these alleles segregate (separate) during the formation of gametes (eggs and sperm). In the F1 generation, each plant inherited one allele from each parent.

2. Dominance: The dominant allele (e.g., P for purple flowers) is expressed in the phenotype when it is present in a heterozygous individual. The recessive allele (e.g., p for white flowers) is only expressed when the individual is homozygous recessive (i.e., pp).

3. Punnett Square: Mendel used tools like the Punnett square to predict the possible genetic combinations of offspring. This method helped him determine both the genotypic ratio and the phenotypic ratio.

4. Homozygous and Heterozygous:

   • Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles (either PP or pp).
   • Heterozygous refers to having two different alleles (Pp).