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Ch. 3 - Mendelian Genetics
Klug - Concepts of Genetics 12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksKlug 12th EditionCh. 3 - Mendelian GeneticsProblem 28b
Chapter 3, Problem 28b

To assess Mendel's law of segregation using tomatoes, a true-breeding tall variety (SS) is crossed with a true-breeding short variety (ss). The heterozygous F₁ tall plants (Ss) were crossed to produce two sets of F₂ data, as follows.
Table comparing two data sets showing 30 tall and 5 short plants versus 300 tall and 50 short plants from a genetic cross.
From the above analysis, what can you conclude about the importance of generating large datasets in experimental conditions?

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the genetic cross and expected ratio. The cross involves heterozygous tall plants (Ss) crossed with each other, where 'S' is dominant for tall and 's' is recessive for short. According to Mendel's law of segregation, the expected phenotypic ratio in the F₂ generation is 3 tall : 1 short.
Step 2: Calculate the expected numbers based on the total plants in each set. For Set I, total plants = 30 tall + 5 short = 35 plants. For Set II, total plants = 300 tall + 50 short = 350 plants. Use the expected 3:1 ratio to calculate expected counts: Expected tall = (3/4) × total, Expected short = (1/4) × total.
Step 3: Compare observed data to expected data. For each set, compare the observed number of tall and short plants to the expected numbers calculated in Step 2. This helps assess how closely the data fits Mendel's predicted ratio.
Step 4: Analyze the effect of sample size on data accuracy. Notice that Set II, with a larger sample size, is more likely to show a ratio closer to the expected 3:1 compared to Set I, which has a smaller sample size and more deviation from the expected ratio.
Step 5: Conclude the importance of large datasets. Larger sample sizes reduce the impact of random variation and provide more reliable data that better reflects true genetic ratios, supporting Mendel's law of segregation more convincingly.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mendel's Law of Segregation

Mendel's law of segregation states that allele pairs separate during gamete formation, so each gamete carries only one allele for each gene. In a monohybrid cross like Ss x Ss, the expected phenotypic ratio is 3:1, with three tall plants for every short plant, reflecting dominant and recessive traits.
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Sample Size and Statistical Reliability

Larger sample sizes provide more reliable and accurate representations of expected genetic ratios by minimizing the effects of random variation. Small datasets may deviate from theoretical ratios due to chance, while larger datasets tend to closely approximate predicted Mendelian ratios.
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Phenotypic Ratios in Genetic Crosses

Phenotypic ratios describe the proportion of different observable traits in offspring from genetic crosses. For a heterozygous cross (Ss x Ss), the expected phenotypic ratio is 3 tall : 1 short, which can be confirmed by analyzing the distribution of tall and short plants in the F2 generation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The wild-type (normal) fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has straight wings and long bristles. Mutant strains have been isolated that have either curled wings or short bristles. The genes representing these two mutant traits are located on separate chromosomes. Carefully examine the data from the following five crosses.

Identify each mutation as either dominant or recessive. In each case, indicate which crosses support your answer.

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Textbook Question

The wild-type (normal) fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has straight wings and long bristles. Mutant strains have been isolated that have either curled wings or short bristles. The genes representing these two mutant traits are located on separate chromosomes. Carefully examine the data from the following five crosses.

Assign gene symbols and, for each cross, determine the genotypes of the parents.

871
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Textbook Question

To assess Mendel's law of segregation using tomatoes, a true-breeding tall variety (SS) is crossed with a true-breeding short variety (ss). The heterozygous F₁ tall plants (Ss) were crossed to produce two sets of F₂ data, as follows.

Using the X² test, analyze the results for both datasets. Calculate X² values and estimate the p values in both cases.

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Textbook Question

Albinism, caused by a mutational disruption in melanin (skin pigment) production, has been observed in many species, including humans. In 1991, and again recently in 2017, the only documented observations of an albino humpback whale (named 'Migaloo') were observed near New South Wales. Recently, Polanowski and coworkers (Polanowski, A., S. Robinson-Laverick, and D. Paton. (2012). Journal of Heredity 103:130–133) studied the genetics of humpback whales from the east coast of Australia, including Migaloo. Do you think that Migaloo's albinism is more likely caused by a dominant or recessive mutation? Explain your reasoning.

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Textbook Question

Albinism, caused by a mutational disruption in melanin (skin pigment) production, has been observed in many species, including humans. In 1991, and again recently in 2017, the only documented observations of an albino humpback whale (named 'Migaloo') were observed near New South Wales. Recently, Polanowski and coworkers (Polanowski, A., S. Robinson-Laverick, and D. Paton. (2012). Journal of Heredity 103:130–133) studied the genetics of humpback whales from the east coast of Australia, including Migaloo. What data would be helpful in determining the answer to part (a)?

450
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Textbook Question

Albinism, caused by a mutational disruption in melanin (skin pigment) production, has been observed in many species, including humans. In 1991, and again recently in 2017, the only documented observations of an albino humpback whale (named 'Migaloo') were observed near New South Wales. Recently, Polanowski and coworkers (Polanowski, A., S. Robinson-Laverick, and D. Paton. (2012). Journal of Heredity 103:130–133) studied the genetics of humpback whales from the east coast of Australia, including Migaloo. Assuming that Migaloo's albinism is caused by a rare recessive gene, what would be the likelihood of the establishment of a natural robust subpopulation of albino white humpback whales in this population?

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