Question

When you cross two mutants that have the same phenotype together, if the parents have mutations at different genes, then they will pass on a wild-type allele at the other (non-mutant) locus that will complement the phenotype and the progeny will be wild type. If the parents are carrying mutations at the same gene, then the progeny will inherit two mutant copies at the same gene and the phenotype will not be complemented and the progeny will have the mutant phenotype.

Answer 1

Crossing two mutants with identical phenotypes can result in progeny with either a wild-type or mutant phenotype, depending on whether mutations are in the same gene. Dominant mutant alleles can interfere with the wild type, as seen in the Antennapedia mutation in Drosophila. Mendelian genetics and allele interaction dictate inheritance patterns and the expression of traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two mutants with the same phenotype are crossed, their progeny's phenotype depends on whether the mutations occur in the same gene. If mutations are in different genes, the non-mutant alleles will complement each other, and the progeny will display a wild-type phenotype. If both parents carry mutations in the same gene, the progeny will inherit mutant alleles for that gene, exhibiting the mutant phenotype.

For instance, the Antennapedia mutation in Drosophila showcases a mutant allele that is dominant and interferes with the wild type by expanding the gene product's distribution, causing heterozygotes to develop legs on their head. Moreover, linkage and independent assortment affect whether genes are inherited together or separately, influencing gamete production and the resulting progeny phenotypes. Understanding principles of phenotypes and genotypes, Mendelian genetics, and allele interaction is essential for predicting the outcomes of genetic crosses.