Question

Before testing the pea plants, Mendel formed a five-part hypothesis. What did Mendel include in his hypothesis? Check all that apply.

A pair of factors (known as genes) control traits.

One gene comes from each parent for every trait.

Each trait is passed from generation to generation.

Some traits are passed together from generation to generation.

When gametes are formed, genes separate.

If there are two unlike genes, one may be seen while the other is hidden.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 1, 2, 5, and 6.

- A pair of factors (known as genes) control traits. — Yes (unit factors in pairs).
- One gene comes from each parent for every trait. — Yes.
- When gametes are formed, genes separate. — Yes (law of segregation).
- If there are two unlike genes, one may be seen while the other is hidden. — Yes (dominance/recessiveness).

"Each trait is passed from generation to generation" is a general statement but not one of Mendel's formal five postulates, and "Some traits are passed together from generation to generation" contradicts Mendel’s law of independent assortment (he proposed traits assort independently, not that they are generally passed together).