Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Passage of information from parents to offspring

Passage of information from parents to offspring — practice question

The foxglove, \textit{Digitalis purpurea}, is a plant commonly found in many regions of the world. Fig. 5.1 shows a foxglove. In foxgloves, flower colour is determined by two genes that interact with one another. Dominant allele $M$ codes for an enzyme involved in the production of a purple pigment. Recessive allele $m$ codes for a non-functioning enzyme, so no purple pigment is produced, giving a white colour. Dominant allele $D$ interacts with allele $M$ to produce dark purple flowers. Recessive allele $d$ does not interact with allele $M$. Neither allele $D$ nor allele $d$ interact with allele $m$. A double homozygous foxglove with dark purple flowers was crossed with a double homozygous recessive foxglove with white flowers. All of the offspring had dark purple flowers.
(a)[1]

Explain what is meant by the term homozygous.

(b)[1]

Using the symbols above, state the genotype of the offspring with dark purple flowers.

(c)[6]

Two of these offspring with dark purple flowers were crossed. This cross produced a mixture of plants with three different flower colours: dark purple, purple and white. Draw a Punnett square to show the possible genotypes and phenotypes of the mixture of plants from this cross. Write down the expected ratio of plants with each flower colour.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Carrying two identical alleles of a gene

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI