Final answer:
The inheritance of leaf pigmentation in the four-o'clock plant Mirabilis jalapa is an example of genetic control. Genes control the production of pigments, and these genes are passed down from parent plants to offspring. This concept is supported by examples in aphids and mice where genes control the pigmentation of these organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inheritance of leaf pigmentation in the four-o'clock plant Mirabilis jalapa is an example of genetic control. The different leaf colors in this plant are determined by genes that control the production of pigments. These genes are passed down from parent plants to their offspring, resulting in the inheritance of specific leaf pigmentation traits.
One example of genetic control in leaf pigmentation is the inheritance of carotenoid content in aphids. Carotenoids are pigments that determine the color of aphids, and these pigments are genetically controlled. DNA analysis has shown that fungal genes have transferred into aphids through horizontal gene transfer, allowing the aphids to produce carotenoids on their own.
Similarly, in mice, the pigmentation of their fur is determined by genes that control pigment production. The presence or absence of certain genes can result in different coat colors. For example, a recessive allele at a specific gene locus can result in albino mice with no pigment production.