Question

Explain the statement : In homozygous parents, all gametes produced are similar , while in heterozygous parents, two kinds of gametes are produced in equal proportions.

Answer 1

Homozygous is the diploid condition in which the alleles at a given position on chromosome are identical whereas heterozygous is the diploid condition in which the alleles at a given position on chromosome are different.

Suppose a plant is homozygous recessive (tt) for its height. So, the gametes produced by this plant will be similar (both containing t). However, if the plant is heterozygous (Tt); then the gametes will be of two types, i.e. T and t. Hence, in homozygous parents, all gametes produced are similar, while in heterozygous parents, two kinds of gametes are produced in equal proportions.