Monohybrid

Definition

A monohybrid cross involves the mating of two individuals with different alleles at one genetic locus of interest. The resulting offspring are studied to understand the inheritance of a single trait.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gregor Mendel's experiments with pea plants often involved monohybrid crosses.
2. In a monohybrid cross, the F1 generation is typically heterozygous for the trait being studied.
3. Monohybrid crosses follow Mendel’s first law, the Law of Segregation.
4. Phenotypic ratios in monohybrid crosses generally follow a 3:1 pattern in the F2 generation if one allele is dominant.
5. Genotypic ratios in the F2 generation from a monohybrid cross typically show a 1:2:1 pattern.

Review Questions

• What is the phenotypic ratio observed in the F2 generation of a typical monohybrid cross?
• Which of Mendel's laws applies to monohybrid crosses?
• How does the genotype of the F1 generation typically compare to that of its parents in a monohybrid cross?

Related terms

Dihybrid Cross: A genetic cross involving two traits, each represented by two alleles.

Law of Segregation:

Mendel’s principle stating that pairs of alleles separate during gamete formation.

Homozygous: An organism with two identical alleles for a particular gene.