A red flower (RR) and a white flower (WW) were cross-pollinated. The result of this cross was four new flowers that were all pink (RW). This is best explained by

Rationale

Codominance best explains this cross-pollination result.

Codominance occurs when two different alleles for a genetic trait are both expressed in an organism's phenotype. In this case, the red (R) allele from the red flower and the white (W) allele from the white flower are both expressed, resulting in pink flowers (RW).

A (non-disjunction) YOUR ANSWER

Non-disjunction refers to the failure of sister chromatids or homologous chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes. Non-disjunction is not relevant here as the question does not suggest any chromosomal abnormalities.

B (multiple alleles) YOUR ANSWER

Multiple alleles refer to the existence of more than two alleles for a specific genetic locus in a population. While multiple alleles can increase genetic diversity, they don't explain the specific pattern observed in the question, which involves only two different alleles (R and W) and their codominant expression in the offspring.

C (mutation) YOUR ANSWER

Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence. The question does not suggest any changes in the genetic makeup of the flowers, but rather a blending of existing genetic traits (red and white), indicating codominance rather than mutation.

D (codominance) CORRECT

Codominance is the correct answer as it is the genetic scenario where both alleles (R and W) express themselves equally, which results in the offspring (RW) having characteristics of both parents. In this case, the red and white colors blend to produce pink, indicating the equal expression of both alleles.

Conclusion

The genetic phenomenon of codominance best explains the results of the cross-pollination between the red (RR) and white (WW) flowers. This concept is evident when both parental traits are simultaneously expressed in the offspring, resulting in the pink (RW) flowers. The other choices, non-disjunction, multiple alleles, and mutation, don't accurately describe the specific genetic interaction and phenotypic outcome presented in the question.

A red flower (RR) and a white flower (WW) were cross-pollinated. The result of this cross was four new flowers that were all pink (RW). This is best explained by

Codominance best explains this cross-pollination result.

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