Question

Gregor Mendel concluded that each pea has two units for each trait, and each gamete contains one unit. Mendel's "units" are now referred to as ________.

A) genes
B) characters
C) alleles
D) transcription factors
E) none of the above

Answer 1

Mendel's "units" are now referred to as genes, which are the basis for traits in an organism and separate into alleles during gamete formation. The correct option is (A).

Step-by-step explanation:

Gregor Mendel concluded that each pea has two units for each trait, and each gamete contains one unit. Mendel's "units" are now referred to as genes.

Mendel's work led to the formulation of the law of segregation, which states that these units, or alleles, separate during the formation of gametes, and offspring inherit one unit from each parent.

The physical expression of characteristics is accomplished through the expression of genes carried on chromosomes. It's noteworthy that what Mendel referred to as "factors" are now understood in modern genetics as alleles, which are different versions of the genes that may lead to variation in a characteristic such as pea color.