Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 5 - Genetic Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 26a

The following progeny are obtained from a test cross of a trihybrid wild-type plant to a plant with the recessive phenotypes compound leaves (c), intercalary leaflets (i), and green fruits (g). (Traits not listed are wild type.) The test-cross progeny are as follows:
Table displaying phenotypes and their corresponding numbers from a trihybrid test cross in plant genetics.
Determine the order of the three genes, and construct a genetic map that identifies the correct order and the alleles carried on each chromosome in the trihybrid parental plant.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the parental phenotypes and the double crossover phenotypes. The parental phenotypes are the most frequent classes, while the double crossover phenotypes are the least frequent classes. In this case, the parental phenotypes are 'Compound leaves' (324) and 'Intercalary leaflets, green fruits' (309), and the double crossover phenotypes are 'Intercalary leaflets' (3) and 'Compound leaves, green fruits' (5).
Step 2: Determine the gene order by comparing the double crossover phenotypes to the parental phenotypes. The gene that differs between the parental and double crossover phenotypes is the one in the middle. For example, compare the phenotypes 'Compound leaves' and 'Intercalary leaflets' to identify the middle gene.
Step 3: Calculate the recombination frequencies between each pair of genes. To do this, sum the number of offspring in the single crossover classes for each gene pair and divide by the total number of offspring. For example, to calculate the recombination frequency between genes A and B, use the formula: Number of single crossover offspringTotal offspring.
Step 4: Convert the recombination frequencies into map distances. Recombination frequencies are expressed as percentages, and 1% recombination corresponds to 1 map unit (centimorgan, cM). For example, if the recombination frequency between two genes is 0.12, the map distance is 12 cM.
Step 5: Construct the genetic map based on the gene order and calculated map distances. Place the genes in the correct order, and indicate the distances between them in centimorgans. This map will represent the relative positions of the genes on the chromosome.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Gene Mapping

Gene mapping is the process of determining the relative positions of genes on a chromosome. It involves analyzing the frequency of recombination between different genes during meiosis. By examining the offspring of test crosses, researchers can infer the order of genes based on how often they are inherited together, which helps in constructing a genetic map.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:09
Mapping Genes

Test Cross

A test cross is a breeding experiment used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype. This is done by crossing the individual with a homozygous recessive individual. The phenotypic ratios of the offspring provide insights into the alleles present in the parent, allowing for the identification of dominant and recessive traits.
Recommended video:
Guided course
26:08
Trihybrid Cross

Recombination Frequency

Recombination frequency refers to the likelihood that two genes will be separated during meiosis due to crossing over. It is calculated by dividing the number of recombinant offspring by the total number of offspring. This frequency is crucial for gene mapping, as it helps to estimate the distance between genes on a chromosome, with closer genes having lower recombination frequencies.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:51
Recombination after Single Strand Breaks
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In rabbits, chocolate-colored fur (w⁺) is dominant to white fur (w), straight fur (c⁺) is dominant to curly fur (c), and long ear (s⁺) is dominant to short ear (s). The cross of a trihybrid rabbit with straight, chocolate-colored fur and long ears to a rabbit that has white, curly fur and short ears produces the following results:

Determine the order of the genes on the chromosome, and identify the alleles that are present on each of the homologous chromosomes in the trihybrid rabbits.

447
views
Textbook Question

In rabbits, chocolate-colored fur (w⁺) is dominant to white fur (w), straight fur (c⁺) is dominant to curly fur (c), and long ear (s⁺) is dominant to short ear (s). The cross of a trihybrid rabbit with straight, chocolate-colored fur and long ears to a rabbit that has white, curly fur and short ears produces the following results:

Calculate the recombination frequencies between each of the adjacent pairs of genes.

499
views
Textbook Question

In rabbits, chocolate-colored fur (w⁺) is dominant to white fur (w), straight fur (c⁺) is dominant to curly fur (c), and long ear (s⁺) is dominant to short ear (s). The cross of a trihybrid rabbit with straight, chocolate-colored fur and long ears to a rabbit that has white, curly fur and short ears produces the following results:

Determine the interference value for this cross.

402
views
Textbook Question

The following progeny are obtained from a test cross of a trihybrid wild-type plant to a plant with the recessive phenotypes compound leaves (c), intercalary leaflets (i), and green fruits (g). (Traits not listed are wild type.) The test-cross progeny are as follows:

Calculate the frequencies of recombination between the adjacent genes in the map.

447
views
Textbook Question

The following progeny are obtained from a test cross of a trihybrid wild-type plant to a plant with the recessive phenotypes compound leaves (c), intercalary leaflets (i), and green fruits (g). (Traits not listed are wild type.) The test-cross progeny are as follows:

How many double-crossover progeny are expected among the test-cross progeny? Calculate the interference for this cross.

746
views
Textbook Question

In tomatoes, the allele T for tall plant height is dominant to dwarf allele t, the P allele for smooth skin is dominant to the p allele for peach fuzz skin, and the allele R for round fruit is dominant to the recessive r allele for oblong fruit. The genes controlling these traits are linked on chromosome 1 in the tomato genome, and the genes are arranged in the order and with the recombination frequencies shown.

A pure-breeding tall, peach fuzz, round plant is crossed to a pure-breeding plant that is dwarf, smooth, oblong. What are the gamete genotypes produced by each of these plants? 

815
views