Question

The flower color gene in snow peas has two alleles: P-Purple and p-white. The P allele codes for a protein that synthesizes purple pigment. How might the p allele be different such that it leads to white flowers? The p-allele could: (select all)

a) produce a protein that cannot make pigment (true)

b) lead to the gene being absent from flower cells (false)

c) produce a protein that makes too much pigment (false)

d) lead to the protein being absent from flower cells (true)

Answer 1

A, B, D

It is given that the P allele makes purple colour and the p allele is unable to synthesize any colour and therefore form white flowers. This may be due to the following reasons -

1. Mutation in the gene which synthesizes purple colour, that is mutation in P allele

2. Absence of the gene with synthesizes purple colour, that is absence of P allele

3. If the gene is present, the protein formed by P allele is abnormal and therefore is not able to perform its function and accumulate purple pigment

4. If the gene is present, it is not able to undergo translation and form protein which is responsible for the accumulation of purple pigment.

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