Question

The dwarf trait of the F1 generation pea plant observed in Mendel’s experiment is a ___ character.
(A) Recessive
(B) Dominant
(C) Both the above
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Mendel’s experiments give a clear idea in the way of heredity. He took a pea plant (Pisum sativum:) as a model plant and fortunately it results in a great extent. Depending on alleles present, he took seven different traits of the pea plant for his experiment.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s discuss the options and find the correct answer.
A trait is a morphological characteristic of a plant species that has the capability to be inherited and present in a pair of characters in the environment. As the pea plant has the capability of self fertilization, Mendel took pea plant for his experiments and it was known as monohybrid cross and dihybrid cross in future. Not only that, there are different traits present in the pea plant that are present in pairs. These include smooth or wrinkled seed(R), yellow or green seed albumen(Y), unripe pods that are green or yellow(G), purple or white coloured flower(P), tall and dwarf stem(T) and many more. As the traits present in pairs, there are some special characteristics or special differences between the two. They are classified into dominant and recessive form depending on their alleles.
- Dominant allele is defined as the variation of gene that has the capability to produce specific phenotype and its function doesn’t hamper even if other alleles are present.
- If the dominant allele becomes dominant on other alleles, the phenomenon is termed as recessive allele. As an example, in case of monohybrid cross, all plants produced in F1 generation become tall thus suppressing the other character i.e. dwarf.
Hence option A: Recessive is the correct answer.

Note: It is comparatively a easy question if one has a clear idea about the traits or have conceptual knowledge about alleles and how they function.