18. Assume that the genes w+ and cv+ are located 20 CM apart on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. Mutations in w+and cv+ give rise to white eyes and crossveinless phenotypes, respectively, which are recessive to the wild-type phenotype. A homozygous wild-type female was crossed to a white- eyed, crossveinless male. The F1 progeny was sib-mated. What percentage of the progeny will be white-eyed and crossveinless? (1)20 (2) 40 (3) 10 (4) 5

18. Assume that the genes w+ and cv+ are located 20 CM apart on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. Mutations in w+and cv+ give rise to white eyes and crossveinless phenotypes, respectively, which are recessive to the wild-type phenotype. A homozygous wild-type female was crossed to a white- eyed, crossveinless male. The F1 progeny was sib-mated. What percentage of the progeny will be white-eyed and crossveinless?
(1)20           (2) 40
(3) 10          (4) 5

Here is the detailed solution and explanation for the given genetics problem involving Drosophila melanogaster, alongside an SEO-friendly article format including title, slug, keyphrase, and meta description.

Introduction:

This article explains the genetic cross involving two X-linked genes, w+ and cv+, located 20 centiMorgans apart in Drosophila melanogaster. It focuses on finding the percentage of progeny showing the recessive white-eyed and crossveinless phenotypes after sib-mating the F1 generation.


Detailed Solution and Explanation:

Genetic Background and Cross Setup:

  • Genes w+ (wild-type eye color) and cv+ (wild-type crossvein) are located 20 cM apart on the X chromosome.

  • Mutant alleles w (white eyes) and cv (crossveinless) are recessive.

  • A homozygous wild-type female (w+ cv+ / w+ cv+) is crossed with a white-eyed, crossveinless male (w cv / Y).

  • F1 progeny are sib-mated.

Step 1: Genotypes of F1 Progeny

  • Female parent X chromosomes: w+ cv+ and w+ cv+ (homozygous wild-type).

  • Male parent X chromosome: w cv.

  • F1 females receive one X from each parent: w+ cv+ / w cv (heterozygous).

  • F1 males receive the X from the female parent only: w+ cv+ / Y (wild-type).

Step 2: Gametes Produced by F1 Females (w+ cv+ / w cv)

  • Genes are linked 20 cM apart; recombination frequency = 20%.

  • Parental (non-recombinant) gametes = 80% total, split as:

    • w+ cv+ (40%)

    • w cv (40%)

  • Recombinant gametes = 20% total, split as:

    • w+ cv (10%)

    • w cv+ (10%)

Step 3: Gametes Produced by F1 Males (w+ cv+ / Y)

  • Males produce gametes with either X (w+ cv+) or Y.

  • Female progeny get X from male and X from female.

  • Male progeny get X from female and Y from male.

Step 4: Progeny Phenotypes from F1 Sib-Mating

  • Female progeny genotypes can be:

    • w+ cv+ / w+ cv+ (wild-type)

    • w+ cv+ / w cv (heterozygous)

    • w cv / w cv (white-eyed, crossveinless; recessive homozygote)

    • And recombinant combinations with crossover phenotypes.

  • Male progeny phenotypes depend on their single X chromosome inherited from the F1 female.

Step 5: Calculating Percentage of White-Eyed, Crossveinless Progeny

  • White-eyed, crossveinless phenotype requires both recessive alleles (w cv):

    • In females: homozygous recessive w cv / w cv.

    • In males: w cv / Y.

  • Using recombination frequency and the genotype ratios, calculation shows:

    • 40% of male progeny will be white-eyed and crossveinless.

    • Males constitute about 50% of total progeny.

    • Therefore, total white-eyed crossveinless progeny = 50% males × 40% affected = 20%.


Explanation of Options:

  • (1) 20% — Correct answer based on the recombination frequency and genotype calculations.

  • (2) 40% — Incorrect; this would suggest all males plus females affected.

  • (3) 10% — Incorrect; underestimates recombinant contribution and genotype proportions.

  • (4) 5% — Incorrect; too low considering recombination and inheritance patterns.


This detailed genetic cross analysis clarifies how linkage and recombination distances affect inheritance of linked X chromosome traits in Drosophila melanogaster, leading to the conclusion that 20% of the progeny will show the white-eyed and crossveinless phenotype after sib-mating F1 progeny.

This analysis is essential for understanding classical genetics and chromosome mapping in model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Courses