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
Sex Chromosome
Problem 10a
Textbook Question
An insect species is discovered in which the heterogametic sex is unknown. An X-linked recessive mutation for reduced wing (rw) is discovered. Contrast the F1 and F2 generations from a cross between a female with reduced wings and a male with normal-sized wings when the female is the heterogametic sex.

1
Define the genetic system: In this problem, the female is the heterogametic sex (ZW), and the male is the homogametic sex (ZZ). The mutation for reduced wings (rw) is X-linked, meaning it is located on the Z chromosome. The normal wing allele (RW) is dominant over the reduced wing allele (rw).
Determine the parental genotypes: The female with reduced wings must have the genotype Z^rwW (since she is heterogametic and carries the recessive allele on her Z chromosome). The male with normal wings must have the genotype Z^RWZ^RW (since he is homogametic and carries two dominant alleles).
Predict the F₁ generation: Perform a Punnett square to determine the offspring genotypes. Cross Z^rwW (female) with Z^RWZ^RW (male). The possible gametes from the female are Z^rw and W, while the possible gametes from the male are Z^RW. Combine these gametes to determine the genotypes and phenotypes of the F₁ offspring.
Analyze the F₁ phenotypes: Based on the Punnett square, determine the phenotypes of the F₁ offspring. For example, Z^RWZ^rw (male) will have normal wings because the dominant allele (RW) masks the recessive allele (rw). Z^RW W (female) will also have normal wings because the W chromosome does not carry the wing mutation.
Predict the F₂ generation: Cross the F₁ individuals (e.g., a Z^RWZ^rw male with a Z^RW W female). Perform another Punnett square to determine the genotypes and phenotypes of the F₂ offspring. Analyze the phenotypic ratios to understand how the X-linked recessive mutation is inherited in this system.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Heterogametic Sex
The heterogametic sex refers to the sex that produces two different types of gametes regarding sex chromosomes. In many species, including humans, males are heterogametic (XY), while females are homogametic (XX). Understanding which sex is heterogametic is crucial for predicting inheritance patterns, especially for X-linked traits.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Sex Determination
X-linked Recessive Inheritance
X-linked recessive inheritance occurs when a gene located on the X chromosome is expressed only in individuals with two copies of the recessive allele (females) or one copy in males. This means that males are more likely to express X-linked recessive traits, such as reduced wings in this case, since they have only one X chromosome. This concept is essential for analyzing the phenotypic ratios in the F₁ and F₂ generations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
X-Inactivation
F₁ and F₂ Generations
The F₁ generation is the first filial generation resulting from a cross between two parental (P) individuals, while the F₂ generation is produced by interbreeding F₁ individuals. Analyzing these generations helps in understanding the inheritance patterns of traits, including dominant and recessive alleles. In this scenario, the phenotypic ratios in the F₁ and F₂ generations will reveal how the X-linked recessive mutation is passed on.
Recommended video:
Guided course
F Factor and Hfr
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
How do mammals, including humans, solve the 'dosage problem' caused by the presence of an X and Y chromosome in one sex and two X chromosomes in the other sex?
897
views