Question

A variegated leaf has white patches. The patches occur where chlorophyll is missing from the chloroplasts in some of the cells. Chloroplasts have their own DNA, and are inherited from one parent only. How is the variegated leaf trait inherited?

A. Variegation is inherited from the male parent. The nucleus of the male gamete transforms into a chloroplast.
B. Variegation is inherited from the female parent. Only the egg cell contributes cytoplasm with chloroplasts to the embryo.
C. Variegation is inherited as a codominant trait, causing white and green leaf patches.
D. Variegation is inherited from the male parent. The male gamete contributes cytoplasm containing chloroplasts to the embryo.

Answer 1

b. it is a maternal inheritance

Answer 2

B. Variegation is inherited from the female parent. Only the egg cell contributes cytoplasm with chloroplasts to the embryo.

Step-by-step explanation:

Inheritance of chloroplast DNA is example of cytoplasmic inheritance. The cytoplasmic DNA is transmitted from egg cell to the embryo. Being regulated by chloroplast DNA, the variegated leaf trait would also exhibit the maternal inheritance and would be passed from egg cell to the embryo.

Example: Presence of green, white or variegates leaves in Mirabilis jalapa follows maternal inheritance