15.2: The law of segregation and the inheritance of traits at a single locus

Gregor Mendel

The 'father of genetics,' known for his experiments with pea plants to explore the inheritance of different traits.

Monohybrid Cross

Breeding experiments between organisms that vary by a single trait.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., GG or gg).

Principle of Uniformity

The F1 generation in a cross between homozygous parents will all have the same genotype and phenotype if one allele is dominant = heterozygous (Gg)

Law of Segregation

Every diploid organism carries two copies of each gene (alleles) that are segregated randomly into gametes during meiosis.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

genes are found at specific locations on chromosomes and that behaviour of chromosomes during meiosis and fertilization is responsible for inheritance patterns.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs (one from each parent) that carry the same genes.

Independent Assortment

The random sorting of different non-homologous chromosome pairs into gametes during meiosis.

Diploid Organism

An organism with two copies of each chromosome in its somatic cells.

phenotypic ratio of F2 generation in monohybrid cross

3:1 (dominant: recessive)