Monohybrid Cross vs Dihybrid Cross: What's the Difference?
What is the difference between a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the distinction between a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross?
A) A monohybrid cross involves a single parent, whereas a dihybrid cross involves two parents.
B) A monohybrid cross produces a single progeny, whereas a dihybrid cross produces two progeny.
C) A dihybrid cross involves organisms that are heterozygous for two characters and a monohybrid cross involves only one.
D) A monohybrid cross is performed for one generation, whereas a dihybrid cross is performed for two generations.
E) A monohybrid cross results in a 9:3:3:1 ratio whereas a dihybrid cross gives a 3:1 ratio.
Answer:
The answer is C) A dihybrid cross involves organisms that are heterozygous for two characters and a monohybrid cross involves only one.
A dihybrid cross considers two traits, while a monohybrid cross considers one trait to be inherited.
When we refer to a monohybrid cross, we are talking about a genetic cross involving one trait. This means that we are looking at the inheritance of a single characteristic, such as hair color or flower shape. On the other hand, a dihybrid cross involves two traits, which means we are examining the inheritance of two different characteristics simultaneously.
In a monohybrid cross, the organisms being crossed are usually heterozygous for the trait in question. This means that they possess two different versions of the gene (alleles) for that trait. In contrast, in a dihybrid cross, the organisms are heterozygous for two different traits that are being studied.
During a monohybrid cross, the Punnett square analysis results in a 3:1 phenotypic ratio for the offspring, while a dihybrid cross produces a 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio. This difference in ratios is due to the number of traits being considered and how they are inherited.
Overall, the main distinction between a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross lies in the number of traits being studied and the level of complexity in the inheritance patterns. Understanding these differences is crucial in the field of genetics and can provide valuable insights into how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.