What type of inheritance pattern is typically observed for chloroplast genes in most species of plants?

• A. Maternal inheritance
• B. Autosomal dominant inheritance
• C. Paternal inheritance
• D. X-linked inheritance

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chloroplast genes are located in the chloroplasts, which are organelles outside the nucleus and have their own DNA.
2. Recall that in most plants, chloroplasts are inherited from only one parent, typically the mother, because the egg cell contributes most of the cytoplasm (and organelles) to the offspring.
3. Recognize that this mode of inheritance, where genes are passed down exclusively or predominantly from the mother, is called maternal inheritance or cytoplasmic inheritance.
4. Contrast this with autosomal dominant inheritance, paternal inheritance, and X-linked inheritance, which involve nuclear genes and different patterns of transmission.
5. Conclude that the typical inheritance pattern for chloroplast genes in most plants is maternal inheritance.