Explain how the alleles were passed from parents to offspring.

Answer 1

Alleles are passed from parents to offspring through the process of genetic inheritance. Each parent contributes one allele for each gene to their offspring. This occurs through the process of meiosis, where the parent's cells divide and produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) with only one set of chromosomes.

During fertilization, when the sperm and egg unite to form a zygote, the offspring inherits one allele for each gene from both parents. This combination of alleles determines the genetic makeup of the offspring and influences their phenotypic traits.

The specific combination of alleles that an individual inherits from their parents can vary, resulting in genetic diversity among siblings and offspring. This process of inheritance is what leads to the transmission of genetic information and traits from one generation to the next.