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Multiple Choice
How are traits passed to offspring according to Mendel's experiments?
A
Through the inheritance of acquired characteristics
B
By the direct influence of environmental factors
C
By blending the traits of both parents
D
Through the inheritance of discrete units called genes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that Gregor Mendel's experiments with pea plants laid the foundation for the field of genetics. He discovered how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
Mendel proposed that traits are inherited through discrete units, which we now call genes. These units are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner.
Mendel's experiments showed that each parent contributes one allele for each trait, and these alleles can be dominant or recessive. The combination of alleles determines the offspring's traits.
Mendel's Law of Segregation states that during the formation of gametes, the alleles for a trait separate so that each gamete carries only one allele for each trait.
Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment explains that alleles for different traits are distributed to gametes independently, leading to genetic variation in offspring.