Question

What is the genotype of wrinkled phenotype of pea seeds?

Answer 1

Genotype means the genetic characters of the parent which can be transmitted to its offsprings. In other words, it is also known as inheritable characteristics.

Complete answer:
Gregor Mendel used Pisum sativum or pea plants to conduct his famous experiments on inheritance of genes. Mendel studied the 7 traits found in pea plants extensively. The 7 traits were,

Seed shape- Round and Wrinkled
Seed color - Yellow and Green
Flower colour - Purple and White
Flower position - Axial and terminal
Plant height - Tall and Dwarf
Pod shape - Inflated and Constricted
Pod colour - Green and Yellow

As you can see, each trait had two types, he concluded that the traits were of two types.

Dominant - These traits over power the recessive traits and are expressed always.
Recessive - These traits cannot over power dominant traits and are expressed only when present in homozygous conditions.

The shape of the seeds are controlled by two alleles Round (R) and Wrinkled (r). Round shape is the dominant one and wrinkled shape is the recessive trait. Now for wrinkled phenotype to be shown, the genotype has to be recessive homozygous. Therefore, the genotype of wrinkled phenotype is rr.

Note: Please note that if genotype means the internal make up then phenotype means the external make up.

Genotype: It determines which trait will be expressed and it is not necessary that the organisms that look the same have the same genotype.
Phenotype: It is determined by the individual’s genotype and expressed genes. Although it is dependent on genotype, other factors can also influence it.