Question

If the F1 generation produced by a cross between axial and terminal flower-bearing plants produces only axial flowers, the F2 progeny produced by the self-crossing of F1 will also produce only axial flowers.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me in examination.

This is a very interesting question from Inheritance of One Gene-2 in chapter Principles of Inheritance and Variation of Biology – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) False

The best I can explain: The F1 progeny has only axial flowers, which imply that axial trait is dominant over the terminal trait. However, the F1 progeny are heterozygous. Upon self-crossing, 25% of the F2 progeny will be homozygous for the recessive trait, resulting in the formation of 3:1 ratio of axial flower-bearing to terminal flower-bearing plants.