Question

"Consider the following cross: Gl/gL x gl/gl Which combination(s) of alleles does the parent with the Gl/gL genotype contribute to the offspring?"

Answer 1

Answer:

Gl, gL, GL and gl

Explanation:

The heterozygous parent has the genotype Gl/gL. Since this is a diploid individual, it has two copies of each autosomal chromosome. The slash "/" represents a separation between the two homologous chromosomes, Gl are the alleles of genes "G" and "L" present in one chromosome, and gL are the alleles of those genes present in the other chromosome.

During meiosis the total chromosome number of the original diploid cell is reduced by half, creating four haploid gametes. In a specific stage of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair and crossing over occurs, when recombination happens and one of the alleles present in one chromosome "switches" to the other chromosome, increasing genetic variation.

Therefore, the Gl/gL individual can produce four different types of gametes:

Gl and gL (Parental --> no crossing over occurred)

GL and gl (Recombinant --> crossing over occurred)