Monohybrid Cross: Exploring Genetic Traits

How many traits are examined in a monohybrid cross?

In Mendelian genetics, only one trait is examined in a monohybrid cross. It examines the distribution of one specific set of alleles, and help to determine allele dominance.

Final answer:

A monohybrid cross involves the examination of one trait. This process refers to a mating event between two heterozygous individuals for a certain trait, and the offspring will usually exhibit a 3:1 ratio in the second generation, showing three dominant traits and one recessive trait.

Explanation:

In a monohybrid cross, one trait is examined. Derived from the work of Gregor Mendel, it refers to a mating event between two individuals who are heterozygous (meaning they carry two different genetic codes) for a certain trait. This trait could be any characteristic, like seed shape and color in Mendel's pea experiment. For example, crossing a plant with yellow seeds (YY) and another with green seeds (yy), all the F1 offspring will be heterozygous (Yy) - and carrying traits of one, usually dominant parent (yellow seeds in this case).

The F2 generation is produced by self-crossing the F1 generation, and will show a typical 3:1 ratio - that is three will demonstrate the dominant trait and one will exhibit the recessive trait. Genotypically, this means that one quarter will be homozygous dominant (YY, yellow seeds), half will be heterozygous (Yy, yellow seeds) and the other quarter homozygous recessive (yy, green seeds).