Chapter 14 Mendel and the Gene Idea

Question 1

The explanation of heredity most widely in favor during the 1800s was the ________________, the idea that genetic material contributed by the two parents mixes just as blue and yellow paints blend to make green.

Answer 1

“blending” hypothesis

Question 2

This hypothesis predicts that over many generations, a freely mating population will give rise to a

Answer 2

uniform population of individuals

Question 3

The blending hypothesis also fails to explain how traits can reappear after they’ve

Answer 3

skipped a generation.

Question 4

An alternative to the blending model is a

Answer 4

“particulate” hypothesis of inheritance

Question 5

In this model, parents pass on discrete heritable units—genes—that retain their

Answer 5

separate identities in offspring.

Question 6

genes can be shuffled and passed along, generation after generation, in

Answer 6

undiluted form.

Question 7

Gregor Mendel documented a particulate mechanism for inheritance using

Answer 7

pea plants