Students taking a genetics exam were expected to answer the following question
by converting data to a "meaningful ratio" and then solving the problem. The
instructor assumed that the final ratio would reflect two gene pairs, and most
correct answers did. Here is the exam question: "Flowers may be white, orange,
or brown. When plants with white flowers are crossed with plants with brown
flowers, all the \(F_{1}\) flowers are white. For \(F_{2}\) flowers, the following
data were obtained:
Convert the \(F_{2}\) data to a meaningful ratio that allows you to explain the
inheritance of color. Determine the
number of genes involved and the genotypes that yield each phenotype."
(a) Solve the problem for two gene pairs. What is the final \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\)
ratio?
(b) A number of students failed to reduce the ratio for two gene pairs as
described above and solved the problem using three gene pairs. When examined
carefully, their solution was deemed a valid response by the instructor. Solve
the problem using three gene pairs.
(c) We now have a dilemma. The data are consistent with two alternative
mechanisms of inheritance. Propose an experiment that executes crosses
involving the original parents that would distinguish between the two
solutions proposed by the students. Explain how this experiment would resolve
the dilemma.