HERIDITY

1. Define heredity and hereditary characters.
- The process of transferring genetic characters from the parents to the offspring is called heredity.
- The characters which transfer from the parents to the offspring are known as hereditary characters.

2. Define genetics. Who is known as the father of genetics?
- The branch of biology which deals with heredity, variation and mutation is called genetics.
Gregor Johann Mendel is known  as the father of genetics.

3. Why did Mendel choose the pea plant for his experiment?
-  Mendel selected the pea plant for his experiment because of following reason:
a. Pea plant has a closed bisexual flower. It helps in self-pollination.
b. It has a very short life cycle. So, results can be obtained in a short time.
c. It has lots of varieties.
d. Artificial cross pollination can be carried out.

4. Define dominant and recessive character.
- The character which can be seen in first filial generation when a cross is made between the same kinds of organisms having contrasting characters is known as dominant character.
- The charter which cannot be seen in first filial generation when cross is made between the same kind of organisms having contrasting character is known as recessive character.

5. Define hybrid.
- The organism which is obtained in the first filial generation after the crossing of two pure contrasting characters is known as hybrid. It is represented by Tt.

6. Define Genotype and Phenotype.
- The genetic make-up of an organism is known as genotype.
- The morphological appearance of an organism is known as phenotype.

7. Define monohybrid and dihybrid cross.
- The cross-pollination between two plants which have one pair of contrasting character is known as monohybrid cross. For example, the cross between a pure tall pea plant and a pure dwarf pea plant.
-  The cross-pollination between two plants which have two pairs of contrasting characters is known as dihybrid cross. For example, the cross between two pea plants which have yellow round and wrinkled seed.