A test cross is carried out to

A test cross is carried out to
  1. determine the genotype of a plant at $\mathrm{F}_2$
  2. predict whether two traits are linked
  3. assess the number of alleles of a gene
  4. determine whether two species or varieties will breed successfully

Solution

When $\mathrm{F}_1$ hybrid is crossed with its recessive parent, it is called test cross. By test cross heterozygosity and homozygosity of the organism can be tested. It gives $1: 1$ ratio in monohybrid and $1: 1: 1: 1$ ratio in dihybrid condition. In presence of linkage the ratio varies from this.

Asked in: NEET 2012 (Mains)

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