Students taking a genetics exam were expected to answer the following question by converting data to a “meaningful ratio” and then solving the problem. The instructor assumed that the final ratio would reflect two gene pairs, and most correct answers did. Here is the exam question:
“Flowers may be white, orange, or brown. When plants with white flowers are crossed with plants with brown flowers, all the F1 flowers are white. For F2 flowers, the following data were obtained:
48 | white |
12 | orange |
4 | brown |
Convert the F2 data to a meaningful ratio that allows you to explain the inheritance of color. Determine the number of genes involved and the genotypes that yield each phenotype.”
(a) Solve the problem for two gene pairs. What is the final F2 ratio?
(b) A number of students failed to reduce the ratio for two gene pairs as described above and solved the problem using three gene pairs. When examined carefully, their solution was deemed a valid response by the instructor. Solve the problem using three gene pairs.
(c) We now have a dilemma. The data are consistent with two alternative mechanisms of inheritance. Propose an experiment that executes crosses involving the original parents that would distinguish between the two solutions proposed by the students. Explain how this experiment would resolve the dilemma.
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