When performing a complementation test, how do you know if two mutations complement?

• A. The offspring will have a wild-type phenotype
• B. The offspring will have the mutant phenotype
• C. The offspring will have an intermediate phenotype between wild-type and mutant
• D. The offspring will not look like either wild-type or mutant

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of a complementation test: It is used to determine if two mutations that produce a similar phenotype are in the same gene or in different genes.
2. Set up the test by crossing two organisms, each homozygous for one of the mutations. This will produce offspring that are heterozygous for both mutations.
3. Analyze the phenotype of the offspring: If the offspring display a wild-type phenotype, it indicates that the mutations complement each other, meaning they are in different genes.
4. If the offspring exhibit a mutant phenotype, it suggests that the mutations do not complement each other, indicating they are in the same gene.
5. Consider other possible outcomes: If the offspring show an intermediate phenotype or a phenotype that is neither wild-type nor mutant, further investigation may be needed to understand the genetic interaction.