NEETZoologyPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation
What is the purpose of a test cross?
Options
- ATo produce more offspring
- BTo determine the genotype of an organism showing a dominant phenotype
- CTo measure the height of plants
- DTo increase genetic diversity
Correct answer
B. To determine the genotype of an organism showing a dominant phenotype
Step-by-step solution
From the preceeding paragraphs it is clear that though the genotypic ratios can be calculated using mathematical probability, by simply looking at the phenotype of a dominant trait, it is not possible to know the genotypic composition. That is, for example, whether a tall plant from F1 or F2 has TT or Tt composition, cannot be predicted. Therefore, to determine the genotype of a tall plant at F2 , Mendel crossed the tall plant from F2 with a dwarf plant. This he called a test cross. In a typical test cross an organ