Question

Assume that a polygenic character in Drosophila is produce through the activity of five genes, each with two alleles. Two individuals who are both heterozygous for all five genes are crossed. How many different genotypes are expected in the offspring

Answer 1

Answer:

$243$

Explanation:

Let us assume the genotype of individual with five genes is AaBbCcDdEe

If we look at the simple mono-hybrid cross between two gene pairs let us say Aa and Aa, the following genotypes will be produced

Aa * Aa

AA, Aa, Aa, aa

So total three different type of genotypes will be produced i.e AA, Aa, and aa

Like wise cross between Bb and Bb will produce BB, Bb, bb

Product of Cc and Cc will produce CC, Cc and cc

Product of Dd and Dd will produce DD, Dd, dd

Product of Ee and Ee will produce EE, Ee, ee

So in total there will be 5 such groups which will assort independently/

Thus, the probability will be

$3 * 3* 3*3 *3\\= 3^5\\= 243$