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

the 2 alleles of each gene are segregated randomly into gametes - each gamete receives only 1 allele for each trait

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 chromosomes into gametes during meiosis - the inheritance of one gene does not influence the inheritance of another gene

expected phenotypic ratio of F2 generation in monohybrid cross

3:1 (dominant: recessive)