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Multiple Choice
Which discovery did Gregor Mendel make through his experiments with pea plants?
A
The structure of DNA as a double helix
B
The process of photosynthesis in plants
C
The basic principles of inheritance, including the concepts of dominant and recessive traits
D
The mechanism of natural selection
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of Gregor Mendel's experiments: Mendel conducted experiments with pea plants to study how traits are passed from one generation to the next. He focused on observable characteristics such as flower color, seed shape, and pod color.
Recognize the key concepts Mendel discovered: Mendel identified the basic principles of inheritance, including the idea that traits are controlled by 'factors' (now known as genes) and that these factors exist in pairs, one inherited from each parent.
Learn about dominant and recessive traits: Mendel observed that some traits are dominant, meaning they mask the expression of other traits, which are recessive. For example, purple flower color is dominant over white flower color in pea plants.
Understand Mendel's laws of inheritance: Mendel formulated two key laws—(1) the Law of Segregation, which states that allele pairs separate during gamete formation, and (2) the Law of Independent Assortment, which states that genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other.
Connect Mendel's discoveries to modern genetics: Mendel's work laid the foundation for the field of genetics, helping scientists understand how traits are inherited and how genetic variation occurs in populations.