Question

beyond dominant and recessive interactions among more than one gene. for example, kernel color in wheat has been proposed to be controlled by at least two genes. in the model shown by the punnett square, two genes each have a dominant allele (a or b) and a recessive allele (a or b). 5. based on the model shown by the punnett square, what determines kernel color? a. number of dominant alleles in the genotype b. presence of allele a or b c. presence of allele a or b

Explanation:

By analyzing the Punnett Square:

• Genotype AABB (4 dominant alleles) = Red
• Genotypes with 3 dominant alleles (AABb, AaBB) = Dark
• Genotypes with 2 dominant alleles (AAbb, AaBb, aaBB) = Medium
• Genotype aabb (0 dominant alleles) = White

The pattern shows kernel color correlates directly with the total count of dominant (A/B) alleles in the genotype. Options B and C are incorrect because presence of dominant/recessive alleles alone does not determine color (e.g., AaBb has both dominant and recessive alleles but is Medium, while AABB has only dominant alleles and is Red). Option D is incorrect as the specific genotype itself is not the direct determinant, but rather the number of dominant alleles within it.

Answer:

A. number of dominant alleles in the genotype