Question

The pea plants used in Mendel’s genetic inheritance studies were diploid, with 14 chromosomes in somatic cells. Assuming no crossing-over events occur, how many unique gametes could one pea plant produce?

a. 28

b. 128

c. 196

d. 16,384

Short answer

The correct answer is option b

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Organisms can form 2ⁿunique combinations of chromosomal compositions or gametes where n refers to number of homologous pairs.

Step 2. Explanation for the correct option

Option b is correct because organisms can form 2ⁿunique combinations of chromosomal compositions where n refers to number of homologous pairs. Diploid organisms like pea carry two complete sets of homologous chromosomes. Pea makes 7 pairs of homologous chromosomes. So it forms 2⁷ or 128 unique gametes.

Step 3. Explanation for the incorrect options

Option a is incorrect because pea forms 2ⁿ = 2⁷ unique gametes. So 128 is correct instead of 28.

Option b is incorrect because pea forms 2ⁿ = 2⁷ unique gametes. So 128 is correct instead of 196.

Option d is incorrect because pea forms 2ⁿ = 2⁷ unique gametes. So 128 is correct instead of 16384.