Final answer:
A monohybrid cross is a type of genetic cross involving a single pair of contrasting traits. The parental generation consists of the original true-breeding parents. The F1 generation expresses the dominant trait, while the F2 generation exhibits a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
A monohybrid cross is a type of genetic cross that involves a single pair of contrasting traits. It is true-breeding, meaning that the parents are homozygous for the trait of interest. The parental generation, or P1 generation, consists of the original true-breeding parents. The offspring of the P1 generation is called the F1 generation. When the F1 generation is self-fertilized, it produces the F2 generation.
In this type of cross, the traits are determined by dominant and recessive alleles. The dominant trait is expressed in the F1 generation, while the recessive trait is masked. In the F2 generation, the recessive trait reappears in a 3:1 ratio with the dominant trait. This phenomenon can be predicted using a Punnett square, which shows all possible combinations of alleles and their frequencies.