What did Mendel include in his five-part hypothesis before testing …

Biology Questions

Before testing the pea plants, Mendel formed a five-part hypothesis. What did Mendel include in his hypothesis? Check all that apply. A pair of factors (known as genes) control traits. One gene comes from each parent for every trait. Each trait is passed from generation to generation. Some traits are passed together from generation to generation. When gametes are formed, genes separate. If there are two unlike genes, one may be seen while the other is hidden.

Short Answer

Mendel’s hypothesis explains that genes control traits and are inherited from parents to offspring. Genes separate during gamete formation, allowing one gene to be expressed while the other remains dormant, leading to patterns of inheritance influenced by dominant and recessive genes.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Genes and Traits

Mendel’s hypothesis states that a pair of factors, now known as genes, controls various traits. Each parent contributes one gene for each trait to their offspring. This means that traits are inherited from generation to generation through these passed genes.

Step 2: Separation of Genes During Gamete Formation

During the formation of gametes, the genes separate. This separation ensures that each gamete carries only one gene for each trait. As a result, if there are two different genes (or alleles) for a trait, one may be expressed while the other remains dormant but can still be inherited.

Step 3: Inheritance Patterns and Dominance

The pattern of inheritance indicates that even if a trait does not appear in an individual, it can still be passed on to the next generation. This is due to the existence of dominant and recessive genes, where one may overshadow another. Mendel’s principles highlight that genes segregate during gamete production, ensuring a variety of traits in offspring.

Related Concepts

Genes

Defining units of heredity that carry the instructions for specific traits

Traits

Observable characteristics or features of an organism that are influenced by genes

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that carry only one allele for each gene to ensure genetic diversity in offspring

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