A parent that is heterozygous for two different traits (AaBb) can pass any combination of two alleles (AB, Ab, aB, or ab) to its offspring. Which statement explains why this is possible? (SC.912.L.16.1)

Question

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1 point
There are alternative versions of genes.
The two alleles for a single gene separate when gametes are formed.
For each inherited character, an individual has two copies of the gene.
The alleles of different genes separate independently of one another during gamete formation.

Answer 1

The correct statement that explains why a parent that is heterozygous for two different traits (AaBb) can pass any combination of two alleles (AB, Ab, aB, or ab) to its offspring is:

The alleles of different genes separate independently of one another during gamete formation.

This principle is known as the law of independent assortment, which indicates that the segregation of alleles for one gene does not affect the segregation of alleles for another gene during the formation of gametes.