Biology Forum Genetics How do you know the number of gametes produced from a cross?

2 voices
2 replies
  • Author
    Posts
    • #14435
      Nivea
      Participant

      I understand that a general formula for
      F1 gametes is 2^n,
      F2 genotypes is 3^n and
      F2 phenotypes would be 2^n,
      where n is the number of genes.
      However, I am confused how the answers come about, I’m more of a visual learner so I’d benefit more by seeing the different gametes and counting them, math just confuses me.
      I was thinking since gametes are haploid then for
      a) the potiential gametes would be A and a, which are 2.
      Then for b) A,a,B,b which are 4.
      And finally c) A,a,B,b,C,c which is 6–but when you do the formula for this one, you get 8? (2^3 = 8 )
      I think I am misunderstanding the concept. 🙁 Would someone please explain this, I have a test coming up so I would really appreciate it, thank you so much in advance! 😀

      How many different kinds of F1 gametes, F2 genotypes, and F2 phenotypes would be expected from the following crosses:
      (a) AA x aa;
      (b) AA BB x aa bb;
      (c) AA BB CC x aa bb cc?

    • #103346
      JackBean
      Participant

      You MUST always have all the genes in your gamete, so for two genes you can have AB, Ab, aB or ab; for 3 genes it is ABC, ABc, AbC, aBC, abC, aBc, Abc or abc, that is 8 possibilities 😉

    • #103349
      Nivea
      Participant

      Ah that makes a lot more sense, thank you! 😀

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Members