Question

a pea plant exhibits a recessive trait. which statement is most likely true about the plant?
the plant is identical to its parent plant.
the plant has different alleles for the gene that codes for the trait.
the plant has two identical alleles for the gene that codes for the trait.
the plant does not have the same genes for the trait as its parent plant.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the genetics of recessive traits:

1. A recessive trait is expressed only when an organism has two copies of the recessive allele (homozygous recessive). If there were a dominant allele present, the dominant trait would be expressed instead.
2. Analyzing the options:

• "The plant is identical to its parent plant" is incorrect because offspring inherit a combination of alleles from both parents and are not identical to a single parent.
• "The plant has different alleles for the gene (heterozygous)" is incorrect because heterozygous organisms express the dominant trait, not the recessive one.
• "The plant has two identical alleles for the gene (homozygous recessive)" is correct, as this is the genetic condition required for a recessive trait to be expressed.
• "The plant does not have the same genes for the trait as its parent plant" is incorrect because offspring inherit genes (alleles) from their parents, so they will have genes related to the trait from the parents (though possibly combined differently).

Answer:

The plant has two identical alleles for the gene that codes for the trait.