A cross of white plants and red plants was performed. Using the F2 phenotypic ratio data below, determine what form of gene interaction is taking place.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance
Epistasis and Complementation
Problem 10b
Textbook Question
A researcher interested in studying a human gene on chromosome 21 and another gene on the X chromosome uses FISH probes to locate each gene. The chromosome 21 probe produces green fluorescent color, and the X chromosome probe produces red fluorescent color.
If the subject studied is male, how many green and red spots will be detected? Explain your answer.

1
Understand the FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) technique: FISH uses fluorescent probes that bind to specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. The green probe binds to the gene on chromosome 21, and the red probe binds to the gene on the X chromosome.
Recall the chromosomal composition of a male: Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY), along with two copies of each autosome (non-sex chromosomes, including chromosome 21).
Determine the number of chromosome 21 copies in a male: Since chromosome 21 is an autosome, males have two copies of it. Therefore, the green probe will bind to both copies of chromosome 21, resulting in two green fluorescent spots.
Determine the number of X chromosome copies in a male: Males have only one X chromosome. The red probe will bind to the single X chromosome, resulting in one red fluorescent spot.
Summarize the findings: In a male subject, the FISH analysis will detect two green spots (from chromosome 21) and one red spot (from the X chromosome). This is due to the chromosomal composition of males (XY) and the autosomal nature of chromosome 21.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chromosome Structure and Function
Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA, which carries genetic information. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males). Each chromosome can carry multiple genes, and their arrangement is crucial for proper gene expression and inheritance.
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Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
FISH is a molecular cytogenetic technique used to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. By using fluorescent probes that bind to specific genes, researchers can visualize the location of these genes under a fluorescence microscope, allowing for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities and gene mapping.
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Functional Genomics
Sex Chromosomes and Gene Dosage
In humans, males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX). This difference in sex chromosome composition affects gene dosage; males have one copy of genes on the X chromosome, while females have two. Therefore, in the context of the question, a male subject will show one red spot for the X chromosome gene and two green spots for the gene on chromosome 21, as each chromosome 21 is present in two copies.
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Human Sex Chromosomes
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