Genetics: Understanding Monohybrid and Dihybrid Cross
What is the difference between a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross?
Choose the correct option:
- a) Monohybrid cross involves crossing two alleles, while dihybrid cross involves crossing four alleles.
- b) Monohybrid cross involves crossing four alleles, while dihybrid cross involves crossing two alleles.
Answer:
The correct option is: a) Monohybrid cross involves crossing two alleles, while dihybrid cross involves crossing four alleles.
In genetics, a monohybrid cross is a breeding experiment between two individuals with homozygous genotypes for a single trait, resulting in offspring that have different phenotypes for that particular trait. On the other hand, a dihybrid cross involves crossing two individuals with homozygous genotypes for two different traits, resulting in offspring that show variations in both traits.
The Punnett square for a monohybrid cross is divided into four squares, representing the possible genetic combinations of alleles, while the Punnett square for a dihybrid cross is divided into 16 squares, depicting the combinations of alleles for the two traits under consideration.
Understanding these genetic crosses is crucial in predicting the inheritance patterns of traits and studying the genetic diversity within populations.