Indicate the expected number of Barr bodies in interphase cells of individuals with Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, and karyotypes 47, XYY, 47, XXX, and 48, XXXX.
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
6. Chromosomal Variation
Chromosomal Mutations: Aneuploidy
Problem 18
Textbook Question
Mendelian ratios are modified in crosses involving autotetraploids. Assume that one plant expresses the dominant trait green seeds and is homozygous (WWWW). This plant is crossed to one with white seeds that is also homozygous (wwww). If only one dominant allele is sufficient to produce green seeds, predict the F₁ and F₂ results of such a cross. Assume that synapsis between chromosome pairs is random during meiosis.

1
Step 1: Understand the genetic makeup of the parents. The green-seeded plant is homozygous dominant (WWWW), meaning it has four copies of the dominant allele. The white-seeded plant is homozygous recessive (wwww), meaning it has four copies of the recessive allele.
Step 2: Determine the gametes produced by each parent. The green-seeded plant (WWWW) can only produce gametes with the dominant allele (W), while the white-seeded plant (wwww) can only produce gametes with the recessive allele (w).
Step 3: Predict the F₁ generation. Since the F₁ offspring inherit one allele from each parent, all F₁ individuals will have the genotype WWww (tetraploid with two dominant alleles and two recessive alleles). Because only one dominant allele is sufficient to produce the green seed phenotype, all F₁ plants will have green seeds.
Step 4: Analyze the F₂ generation. In the F₂ generation, random synapsis during meiosis will result in gametes with varying combinations of W and w alleles. Use a Punnett square to calculate the possible genotypes of the F₂ offspring. Consider all combinations of four alleles (e.g., WWWW, WWWw, WWww, Wwww, wwww, etc.).
Step 5: Determine the phenotypic ratio in the F₂ generation. Since only one dominant allele (W) is required for the green seed phenotype, count all genotypes with at least one W allele as green-seeded plants. The remaining genotypes (wwww) will produce white seeds. Calculate the phenotypic ratio of green seeds to white seeds based on the Punnett square results.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mendelian Genetics
Mendelian genetics is the study of how traits are inherited through generations based on the principles established by Gregor Mendel. It includes concepts such as dominant and recessive alleles, genotype, and phenotype. In this context, the dominant allele for green seeds (W) masks the expression of the recessive allele for white seeds (w), leading to predictable ratios in offspring based on parental genotypes.
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Autotetraploidy
Autotetraploidy refers to a condition where an organism has four sets of chromosomes, resulting from the duplication of its diploid genome. This can affect genetic ratios in offspring, as the presence of multiple alleles can lead to more complex inheritance patterns. In the case of the cross described, the autotetraploid nature of the plants will influence the segregation of alleles during gamete formation.
F₁ and F₂ Generations
The F₁ generation is the first filial generation resulting from a cross between two parental genotypes, while the F₂ generation is produced by interbreeding the F₁ individuals. In this scenario, the F₁ generation will all express the dominant green seed trait due to the presence of at least one dominant allele. The F₂ generation will exhibit a modified Mendelian ratio due to the autotetraploid condition, leading to a more complex distribution of phenotypes.
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