Final answer:
A reciprocal cross for stem height in garden peas is performed by crossing a true breeding tall plant with a true breeding dwarf plant, and then reversing the cross with the genders of the parents opposite to the first cross. (option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
To perform a reciprocal cross for the characteristic of stem height in the garden pea, you would choose answer b. In a reciprocal cross, you are examining the role of parental sex on the inheritance of a specific trait. Therefore, in the first cross, you would transfer pollen from a true breeding tall plant (male) to the stigma of a true breeding dwarf plant (female). In the second cross, you would do the exact opposite: transfer pollen from a true breeding dwarf plant (male) to the stigma of a true breeding tall plant (female).
This method helps in understanding whether the inheritance of the particular trait (stem height in this case) varies depending on which parent - male or female - is contributing the tall or short allele.
In a reciprocal cross for the characteristic of stem height in garden peas, you would cross a tall plant with a short plant and vice versa (option b).
By crossing a tall plant with a short plant and then crossing a short plant with a tall plant, you can determine if the trait of stem height is influenced by the plant's genotype or its environment.
This method allows researchers to study the inheritance patterns and determine the role of different genes in controlling stem height.