Exploring Genetics: Monohybrid vs Dihybrid Cross

Question 1

What is the difference between a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross?

A) A monohybrid cross involves a single parent. B) A dihybrid cross involves two parents.

Final answer:

A monohybrid cross involves the study of a single characteristic, while a dihybrid cross involves the study of two characteristics simultaneously.

Explanation:

A monohybrid cross is a breeding experiment that involves the study of the inheritance of a single characteristic, while a dihybrid cross involves the study of the inheritance of two characteristics simultaneously.

In a monohybrid cross, two individuals that differ in only one trait are crossed. The parents used in a monohybrid cross are both heterozygous for the trait being studied. For example, if we are studying flower color, one parent may have red flowers (RR) and the other parent may have white flowers (rr). The resulting offspring, known as the F1 generation, will all have red flowers (Rr).

In a dihybrid cross, two individuals that differ in two traits are crossed. The parents used in a dihybrid cross can be either homozygous or heterozygous for the traits being studied. For example, if we are studying flower color and plant height, one parent may have red flowers and be tall (RRTT) and the other parent may have white flowers and be short (rrtt). The resulting offspring, known as the F1 generation, will all have red flowers and be tall (RrTt).