Question

If Mendel had studied the seven traits using a plant with 12 chromosomes instead of 14, in what way would his interpretation have been different?

• A. He could have mapped the chromosome.
• B. He would have discovered blending or incomplete dominance.
• C. He would not have discovered the law of independent assortment.
• D. He would have discovered sex linkage.

Answer 1

The correct option is C He would not have discovered the law of independent assortment.

Mendel studies seven traits in different pea plants. Pea plants have 14 chromosomes, that is, 7 chromosomes in haploid condition. Hence, he studied one trait or gene on one chromosome. If pea plants would have had 12 chromosomes instead of 14, he would not have discovered the law of independent assortment.Instead, he would have discovered linkage as two genes would have been present on a single chromosome. Thus, the correct answer is option C.