Question

define genotypes and phenotypes quick check
in pea plants, the allele for purple flowers, p, is dominant over the allele for white flowers, p. which conclusion about phenotype and genotype is possible? (1 point)
if a plant has purple flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
if a plant has purple flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
if a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.
if a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be pp.

Explanation:

In genetics, the phenotype is the observable trait (like flower color), and the genotype is the genetic makeup. Since \(P\) (purple) is dominant over \(p\) (white), a plant with purple flowers can have genotypes \(PP\) or \(Pp\) (because the dominant \(P\) masks the recessive \(p\)). But for a plant to have white flowers (a recessive phenotype), it must have two recessive alleles (\(pp\)) because there is no dominant allele to mask the recessive one.

Answer:

If a plant has white flowers, then its genotype must be \(pp\).