Q.57 A plant of genotype GGHH is crossed with another plant of the genotype
gghh. If the F1 is test crossed, what percentage (%) of the test cross
progeny will have the genotype gghh when the two genes are –
(P) unlinked,
(Q) completely linked with no crossing over,
(R) 10 m.u. (genetic map unit) apart,
(S) 24 m.u. apart?
P – 25
Q – 25
R – 25
S – 25
P – 25
Q – 50
R – 45
S – 38
P – 50
Q – 50
R – 90
S – 76
P – 25
Q – 50
R – 10
S – 24
Introduction
Problems based on linkage, recombination frequency, and test crosses are high-yield topics in NEET and other competitive biology exams. This question tests your understanding of:
-
Independent assortment
-
Complete linkage
-
Genetic map units (m.u.)
-
Calculation of parental vs recombinant gametes
Let’s solve this step by step and evaluate all four options logically.
Given Cross
Parental Cross
GGHH × gghh
➡️ Produces F₁ genotype: GgHh
Since both dominant alleles come from one parent, the F₁ arrangement is:
GH / gh (coupling or cis configuration)
Test Cross
GgHh × gghh
👉 The phenotype and genotype of offspring depend only on the gametes produced by the F₁ parent.
What We Are Asked
Percentage (%) of test cross progeny with genotype gghh
This happens only when the F₁ produces a gh gamete.
Case-wise Explanation
(P) Genes Unlinked
🔹 Independent assortment
🔹 Four types of gametes in equal proportion
| Gamete | Frequency |
|---|---|
| GH | 25% |
| Gh | 25% |
| gH | 25% |
| gh | 25% |
✅ gghh progeny = 25%
(Q) Completely Linked (No Crossing Over)
🔹 Only parental gametes formed
| Gamete | Frequency |
|---|---|
| GH | 50% |
| gh | 50% |
✅ gghh progeny = 50%
(R) 10 Map Units Apart
🔹 Recombination frequency = 10%
🔹 Parental gametes = 90%
Each parental type:
902=45%\frac{90}{2} = 45\%290
✅ gghh progeny = 45%
(S) 24 Map Units Apart
🔹 Recombination frequency = 24%
🔹 Parental gametes = 76%
Each parental type:
762=38%\frac{76}{2} = 38\%276
✅ gghh progeny = 38%
Final Answer Summary
| Case | % gghh |
|---|---|
| P (Unlinked) | 25% |
| Q (Completely linked) | 50% |
| R (10 m.u.) | 45% |
| S (24 m.u.) | 38% |
Correct Option
✅ Option (B)
P – 25
Q – 50
R – 45
S – 38
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Option (A)
-
Assumes no effect of linkage or distance
-
Ignores recombination frequency
Option (C)
-
Overestimates parental combinations
-
Biologically impossible percentages
Option (D)
-
Miscalculates recombination values
-
24 m.u. cannot give only 24% gghh
Exam Tip
% Parental gametes = 100 − recombination frequency
Each parental type = (100 − RF) / 2