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Multiple Choice
Two heterozygous organisms are crossed, and the F2 phenotypic ratio is 12:3:1. What form of epistasis do these two genes exhibit?
A
Dominant Epistasis
B
Recessive Epistasis
C
Suppressors
D
Complementary Gene Action
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of epistasis: Epistasis occurs when the effect of one gene is dependent on the presence of one or more 'modifier genes'. In this context, we are looking at how two genes interact to affect a phenotype.
Identify the phenotypic ratio: The given F2 phenotypic ratio is 12:3:1. This ratio is a key indicator of the type of epistasis at play.
Recall the typical phenotypic ratios associated with different types of epistasis: Dominant epistasis often results in a 12:3:1 ratio, where one dominant allele masks the effects of another gene.
Compare the given ratio with known epistatic ratios: The 12:3:1 ratio is characteristic of dominant epistasis, where the presence of a dominant allele in one gene masks the expression of alleles at a second gene.
Conclude the type of epistasis: Based on the comparison, the form of epistasis exhibited by these two genes is dominant epistasis, as the 12:3:1 ratio matches the expected outcome for this type of genetic interaction.