Question

If Mendel might have studied 7 pairs of characters in a plant with 12 chromosomes, instead of 14, then

• A. He could not discover independent assortment.
• B. He might have not discovered linkage.
• C. He might have discovered crossing-over.
• D. He might have not observed dominance.

Answer 1

The correct option is A He could not discover 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 single chromosome.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.