Question

genetics and heredity exam
possible points: 3.00
in pea plants, seed color (y = yellow, y = green) and seed shape (r = round, r = wrinkled) are controlled by genes on different chromosomes.
two plants that are heterozygous for both traits (yyrr) are crossed.
which statement best explains how independent assortment affects the types of gametes produced by these plants?
□ the alleles for seed color and seed shape always stay together during gamete formation.
□ each gamete will contain either all dominant alleles (yr) or all recessive alleles (yr).
□ the alleles for seed color and seed shape separate independently, allowing for multiple allele combinations in gametes.
□ offspring will inherit only one trait from each parent due to chromosome separation.

Explanation:

The principle of independent assortment states that alleles of different genes (on separate chromosomes) separate independently during gamete formation. For a dihybrid (YyRr), this means the Y/y alleles and R/r alleles can combine in different ways, not staying linked as dominant or recessive sets. The correct statement describes this independent separation and resulting varied allele combinations in gametes.

Answer:

C. The alleles for seed color and seed shape separate independently, allowing for multiple allele combinations in gametes.