Question

question #10
the punnett square shows the inheritance of pea pod color.
according to the punnett square and gregor mendel’s findings, why are green pods only seen with the genotype, yy?
a green pods are a recessive trait.
b green pods are a dominant trait.
c green pods are a shared trait.
d green pods are a mutated trait.

Explanation:

To determine why green pods (genotype \( yy \)) are less common, we analyze the Punnett square and Mendel's principles. Dominant traits (like yellow, associated with \( Y \)) are expressed when at least one dominant allele is present (\( YY \) or \( Yy \)). Recessive traits (like green) require two recessive alleles (\( yy \)) to be expressed. In the Punnett square, only 1 out of 4 offspring has \( yy \), while 3 have yellow - related genotypes. This shows green is recessive, so it's less common as it needs two recessive alleles. Option A is correct because recessive traits are expressed only in the homozygous recessive state (\( yy \)), making them less frequent than dominant traits (expressed in \( YY \) or \( Yy \)). Option B is wrong (green is recessive, not dominant). Option C is incorrect (traits aren't "shared" in this Mendelian sense). Option D is wrong (green is a recessive trait, not a mutation in this context).

Answer:

A. Green pods are a recessive trait.