Mouse Genetics: Unraveling the Mystery of Fur Color

What is genetics?

Genetics is defined as a branch of biology that deals with the specific study of heredity and variations controlled by genes. Who is known as the father of genetics?

A. Gregor John Mendel

B. Charles Darwin

Answer:

Gregor John Mendel is known as the father of genetics.

Genetics is an exciting field in biology that explores how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. It focuses on the study of genes and how they influence the physical characteristics and behaviors of organisms. Gregor Mendel, an Austrian scientist, laid the foundation for the science of genetics with his experiments on pea plants in the 19th century.

In the context of mouse genetics, a fascinating aspect to explore is the fur color of mice. The fur color is a single trait that is easily observable and inherited according to specific genetic patterns. Black fur is considered the dominant phenotype, while white fur is the recessive phenotype in mice.

When a black mouse (genotype BB) is crossed with a white mouse (genotype bb), their offspring in the F1 generation will have the genotype Bb, resulting in black fur. This demonstrates the principles of dominant and recessive traits in genetics.

Understanding the basics of genetics, such as the inheritance of fur color in mice, allows scientists to unravel the mysteries of heredity and genetic variations. It paves the way for advancements in medical research, agriculture, and evolutionary studies.