Homozygosity and heterozygosity of an individual can be determined bya...
A test cross is a cross between an individual of unknown genotype and a homozygous recessive individual. By observing the phenotypic ratios of the offspring, it is possible to determine the genotype of the unknown individual.
In a test cross, if the individual being tested is heterozygous (having one dominant and one recessive allele), the offspring will show a 1:1 ratio of the dominant and recessive phenotypes. On the other hand, if the individual being tested is homozygous dominant (having two dominant alleles), all the offspring will display the dominant phenotype.
Therefore, a test cross can be used to determine whether an individual is homozygous (having two identical alleles) or heterozygous (having two different alleles) by examining the phenotypes of the resulting offspring.
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Homozygosity and heterozygosity of an individual can be determined bya...
Understanding Homozygosity and Heterozygosity
Homozygosity refers to the genetic condition where an individual has two identical alleles for a specific gene, while heterozygosity refers to having two different alleles. Determining whether an individual is homozygous or heterozygous can be achieved through various breeding methods, but the most definitive method is the test cross.
Why Test Cross is Key
- A test cross involves breeding an individual with an unknown genotype with a homozygous recessive individual for that trait.
- If the unknown individual is homozygous, all offspring will show the dominant phenotype.
- If the unknown individual is heterozygous, approximately half of the offspring will display the dominant phenotype, and the other half will show the recessive phenotype.
Other Methods
While the test cross is the most definitive method, let's briefly discuss the other options:
- Back Cross: This method involves crossing a hybrid organism back to one of its parents. While it can provide insights into genetic traits, it does not specifically determine homozygosity or heterozygosity as clearly as a test cross.
- Self-fertilization: This method involves an individual fertilizing itself (common in plants). While it can increase homozygosity over generations, it does not provide a straightforward determination of the individual's initial genotype.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer to the question is option 'C' - the test cross is the most effective method to clearly determine the homozygosity or heterozygosity of an individual.