You discover a new mutation in Drosophila that causes an abnormal wing shape. When a male fly with this mutation is crossed to a homozygous normal female, the F₁ are all wild-type phenotypically. The F₂ flies consist of ¹/₂ phenotypically normal females, ¹/₄ phenotypically normal males, and ¹/₄ males with abnormal wings. What is the MOST likely explanation for the new mutant allele?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mutation is X-linked and recessive. The F1 generation being all wild-type indicates that the mutation is not dominant. The F2 generation shows a 1:1 ratio of normal to abnormal males, suggesting the mutation is X-linked and recessive, as only males inherit the single X chromosome carrying the mutation from their mother.

You Discover a New Mutation in Drosophila That Causes an Abnormal