Question

Pea plants were used by Gregor Mendel in the first genetic crosses that enabled him to formulate the laws of inheritance and genetic probability. Consider the Punnett square for pea seed shape and color. What is the probability that round peas will be produced, regardless of color? Responses A 0.50 or 50%0.50 or 50% B 0.67 or 67%0.67 or 67% C 0.75 or 75%0.75 or 75% D 1.00 or 100%1.00 or 100% Skip to navigation © Progress Learning 2025, All Rights Reserved. Terms | Privacy PHONE [phone] | FAX [phone] Blog

Answer 1

To determine the probability of producing round peas regardless of color using a Punnett square, we need to consider the genetic makeup of the individuals being crossed.

In Mendel's experiments, round peas (R) are dominant over wrinkled peas (r). If we consider a typical cross between two pea plants, one homozygous round (RR) and one homozygous wrinkled (rr), the results will be as follows:

- Parent 1 (RR) produces gametes: R, R
- Parent 2 (rr) produces gametes: r, r

The Punnett square would look like this:

```
R | R
---------------
r | Rr | Rr
----------------
r | Rr | Rr
```

All offspring (100%) will have the genotype Rr (round peas).

If we considered a cross between two heterozygous round peas (Rr x Rr), the Punnett square would look like this:

```
R | r
---------------
R | RR | Rr
----------------
r | Rr | rr
```

In this case, the genotypes of the offspring would be:
- 1 RR (round)
- 2 Rr (round)
- 1 rr (wrinkled)

Out of 4 total offspring, 3 will be round:

- Probability of round peas = (1 RR + 2 Rr) / 4 = 3 / 4 = 0.75 or 75%.

Therefore, the probability that round peas will be produced regardless of color is **C) 0.75 or 75%**.