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Question:

A test cross is carried out to: Assess the number of alleles of a gene; Determine whether two species or varieties will breed successfully; Predict whether two traits are linked; Determine the genotype of a plant at F2

Assess the number of alleles of a gene

Predict whether two traits are linked

Determine whether two species or varieties will breed successfully

Determine the genotype of a plant at F2

Solution:

When a tall plant from F1 or F2 has TT or Tt composition, its genotype cannot be predicted. Therefore, to determine the genotype of a tall plant at F2, Mendel crossed the tall plant from F2 with a dwarf plant. This, he called a test cross. In a typical test cross, an organism showing a dominant phenotype (and whose genotype is to be determined) is crossed with the recessive parent instead of self-crossing. The progenies of such a cross can easily be analysed to predict the genotype of the test organism. So, the correct answer is 'Determine the genotype of a plant at F2'