ROUTERA


Chapter 5 Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Class 12th Biology Chapter Assertion and Reason


1.

Assertion (A): Mendel used pea plants to study inheritance patterns.
Reason (R): Pea plants have many contrasting characters and show cross-pollination naturally.
Answer: (C) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: Mendel selected pea plants due to their easily observable contrasting traits and their ability to self-pollinate, which could also be artificially cross-pollinated.


2.

Assertion (A): In a dihybrid cross, the phenotypic ratio of the F2 generation is 9:3:3:1.
Reason (R): The principle of independent assortment applies to dihybrid crosses.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Independent assortment states that genes for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation, resulting in the 9:3:3:1 ratio.


3.

Assertion (A): A test cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype.
Reason (R): The individual with the dominant phenotype is crossed with a homozygous recessive individual.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: A test cross involves crossing the organism with a recessive homozygote to reveal the genotype of the dominant individual.


4.

Assertion (A): Linkage decreases the chances of recombination of alleles.
Reason (R): Linked genes are located on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Linkage keeps genes together on the same chromosome, reducing recombination.


5.

Assertion (A): In incomplete dominance, the phenotype of the heterozygote is intermediate between the two homozygotes.
Reason (R): In incomplete dominance, both alleles express equally in the phenotype.
Answer: (C) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: In incomplete dominance, neither allele is completely dominant, and the heterozygote shows an intermediate phenotype.


6.

Assertion (A): ABO blood grouping in humans is an example of multiple alleles.
Reason (R): Multiple alleles are present in the population, but an individual has only two alleles.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: ABO blood grouping is controlled by three alleles: IAI^A, IBI^B, and ii. An individual can have only two of these alleles.


7.

Assertion (A): Haemophilia is more common in males than in females.
Reason (R): Haemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Males have only one X chromosome, so a single defective gene on the X chromosome causes haemophilia.


8.

Assertion (A): A female carrier for color blindness has a 50% chance of passing the defective allele to her sons.
Reason (R): Sons inherit their X chromosome from their mother.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: A carrier female (XC^CX) can pass the defective allele to half of her offspring, and male children inheriting the defective X become colorblind.


9.

Assertion (A): Down syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21.
Reason (R): Non-disjunction of chromosomes during meiosis leads to trisomy.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Down syndrome results from the presence of an extra chromosome 21 due to non-disjunction.


10.

Assertion (A): Turner syndrome individuals have 44 autosomes and an XO sex chromosome complement.
Reason (R): Turner syndrome is caused by the absence of one X chromosome.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Turner syndrome is a monosomy condition where females lack one X chromosome.


11.

Assertion (A): The sex of a child is determined by the father in humans.
Reason (R): The sperm can carry either an X or a Y chromosome, while the ovum always carries an X chromosome.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Male gametes determine the sex of the offspring since they contribute either an X or a Y chromosome.


12.

Assertion (A): Sickle cell anemia is caused by a single point mutation in the gene coding for beta-globin.
Reason (R): This mutation leads to the substitution of glutamic acid with valine.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Sickle cell anemia is caused by a point mutation in the β\beta-globin gene, resulting in abnormal hemoglobin.


13.

Assertion (A): Mendel’s work remained unnoticed until 1900.
Reason (R): There was a lack of knowledge about chromosomes and meiosis during Mendel's time.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Mendel's findings were rediscovered in 1900 because earlier, there was insufficient understanding of cellular mechanisms like meiosis.


14.

Assertion (A): Law of segregation is applicable to both monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
Reason (R): Law of segregation states that alleles of a gene pair segregate during gamete formation.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The law of segregation is a universal principle that applies to the segregation of alleles in all types of crosses.


15.

Assertion (A): Mendel's experiments showed that traits are inherited independently.
Reason (R): Independent assortment applies only to genes located on different chromosomes.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Independent assortment is observed when genes are located on separate chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome.


16.

Assertion (A): Polygenic inheritance results in continuous variation.
Reason (R): Polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes, each contributing additively to the phenotype.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Traits like height and skin color show continuous variation because they are influenced by multiple genes.


17.

Assertion (A): A man with AB blood group cannot have a child with O blood group.
Reason (R): The O blood group phenotype requires both alleles to be recessive (ii).
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: A person with AB blood group does not carry the recessive allele ii, making it impossible to have offspring with O blood group.


18.

Assertion (A): Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by the absence of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase.
Reason (R): PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder where phenylalanine accumulates in the body.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In PKU, phenylalanine cannot be metabolized into tyrosine, leading to its toxic accumulation.


19.

Assertion (A): Non-disjunction of chromosomes can lead to genetic disorders like Turner syndrome.
Reason (R): Non-disjunction results in the gain or loss of chromosomes during gamete formation.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Turner syndrome results from the loss of one X chromosome due to non-disjunction.


20.

Assertion (A): The Barr body represents an inactive X chromosome in females.
Reason (R): In females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during early embryogenesis.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The inactivated X chromosome forms a Barr body to ensure dosage compensation in females.


21.

Assertion (A): Chromosomal theory of inheritance correlates the behavior of chromosomes with Mendelian principles.
Reason (R): Genes are located on chromosomes, which segregate and assort independently during meiosis.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Sutton and Boveri proposed the chromosomal theory of inheritance based on Mendel's principles.


22.

Assertion (A): Down syndrome is caused by an error in mitosis.
Reason (R): Non-disjunction in chromosome 21 during meiosis leads to trisomy.
Answer: (C) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Down syndrome is caused by meiotic non-disjunction, not mitotic error.


23.

Assertion (A): Male-pattern baldness is an example of a sex-influenced trait.
Reason (R): These traits are influenced by sex hormones but are controlled by autosomal genes.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Male-pattern baldness depends on androgen levels, despite being autosomal.


24.

Assertion (A): Genes present on the same chromosome are always inherited together.
Reason (R): The closer the genes are on a chromosome, the lesser the chance of recombination.
Answer: (C) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Linked genes are often inherited together, but crossing over can separate them.


26.

Assertion (A): Genes located on different chromosomes segregate independently during meiosis.
Reason (R): Independent assortment of genes results in genetic variation in offspring.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Independent assortment of genes located on different chromosomes during meiosis is one of the key mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation.


27.

Assertion (A): A heterozygous person for a dominant allele shows the dominant phenotype.
Reason (R): A heterozygous genotype has both a dominant and a recessive allele.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In a heterozygous individual, the dominant allele expresses its trait even in the presence of the recessive allele.


28.

Assertion (A): The F1 generation of a dihybrid cross always exhibits the dominant traits.
Reason (R): In a dihybrid cross, the dominant traits are expressed in the heterozygous F1 generation.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In a dihybrid cross involving two traits, the F1 generation typically exhibits the dominant traits due to the presence of dominant alleles.


29.

Assertion (A): The law of independent assortment applies to linked genes.
Reason (R): Linked genes are located close together on the same chromosome and are inherited together.
Answer: (C) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: The law of independent assortment applies to genes on different chromosomes or genes that are far apart on the same chromosome. Linked genes do not assort independently.


30.

Assertion (A): The appearance of a genetic disorder in the offspring depends solely on the genotype of the parents.
Reason (R): Both parents contribute equally to the offspring’s genotype.
Answer: (B) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: While the genotype does play a crucial role, environmental factors also influence the phenotype, not just the parents’ genetic contribution.


31.

Assertion (A): X-linked recessive traits are more commonly expressed in males than females.
Reason (R): Males have only one X chromosome, so they do not have a second X to mask the recessive allele.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Since males have only one X chromosome, they are more likely to express X-linked recessive traits, whereas females require two copies of the recessive allele (one on each X chromosome).


32.

Assertion (A): The presence of Barr bodies in females is a result of random X-inactivation.
Reason (R): X-inactivation occurs to balance the gene dosage between males (XY) and females (XX).
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In females, one of the X chromosomes is randomly inactivated in each cell, forming a Barr body. This balances the gene dosage between males and females.


33.

Assertion (A): Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal dominant disorder.
Reason (R): Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, which codes for a membrane protein.
Answer: (C) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Cystic fibrosis is actually an autosomal recessive disorder, not dominant. The mutation in the CFTR gene causes the disorder.


34.

Assertion (A): A monohybrid cross results in a 3:1 phenotypic ratio in the F2 generation.
Reason (R): This ratio is due to the segregation of two alleles for a single trait.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Mendel’s monohybrid cross leads to a 3:1 phenotypic ratio because of the segregation of alleles for a single trait.


35.

Assertion (A): A child with blood type O can have parents with blood types A and B.
Reason (R): The O blood type is recessive, requiring both parents to contribute an i allele.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: For a child to have blood type O, both parents must carry the recessive ii allele, even if they have blood types A or B.


36.

Assertion (A): Huntington’s disease is an autosomal dominant disorder.
Reason (R): The disease manifests in individuals who inherit just one copy of the dominant allele.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Huntington’s disease is caused by a dominant allele, and it can affect individuals who inherit one copy of the allele.


37.

Assertion (A): A genotype consisting of two identical alleles is termed heterozygous.
Reason (R): Heterozygous individuals carry two different alleles for a particular gene.
Answer: (C) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: A genotype with two identical alleles is termed homozygous, not heterozygous.


38.

Assertion (A): Dihybrid crosses result in a 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio in the F2 generation.
Reason (R): This ratio is due to the independent assortment of two traits.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In a dihybrid cross, the 9:3:3:1 ratio results from the independent assortment of alleles for two traits.


39.

Assertion (A): Epistasis refers to the interaction between two genes that affect a single trait.
Reason (R): One gene can mask the expression of another gene in epistasis.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Epistasis occurs when one gene interferes with the expression of another gene, leading to variations in the trait.


40.

Assertion (A): The genetic basis of sex determination in humans is XY.
Reason (R): The presence of two X chromosomes in females and one X and one Y chromosome in males determines sex.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: In humans, males are XY and females are XX. The Y chromosome determines male sex.


41.

Assertion (A): Mendel’s law of dominance states that one allele may mask the effect of the other allele.
Reason (R): Dominant alleles express their effect even in the heterozygous state.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The law of dominance explains that a dominant allele expresses its effect even if only one copy is present in a heterozygous individual.


42.

Assertion (A): Genetic recombination occurs during meiosis.
Reason (R): Recombination occurs when homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Genetic recombination during meiosis occurs through crossing over, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.


43.

Assertion (A): The phenomenon of incomplete dominance leads to blending inheritance.
Reason (R): In incomplete dominance, neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in an intermediate phenotype.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Incomplete dominance results in an intermediate phenotype, such as pink flowers in a cross between red and white flowers.


44.

Assertion (A): Crossing over results in genetic variation.
Reason (R): Crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes during meiosis and leads to new combinations of alleles.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Crossing over during meiosis leads to genetic recombination, creating new combinations of alleles and promoting genetic variation.


45.

Assertion (A): Autosomal dominant disorders are less common than autosomal recessive disorders.
Reason (R): Autosomal dominant disorders are typically more severe, leading to early death in many cases.
Answer: (C) A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Autosomal dominant disorders are often more severe but not necessarily less common than autosomal recessive disorders.


46.

Assertion (A): In codominance, both alleles of a gene are expressed in the heterozygous condition.
Reason (R): Codominance results in a phenotype that is a blend of both alleles.
Answer: (C) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: In codominance, both alleles are fully expressed without blending, as seen in blood group AB, where both IA and IB alleles are expressed.


47.

Assertion (A): Mendel’s law of segregation states that alleles do not mix or blend.
Reason (R): During gamete formation, alleles separate randomly and independently.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The law of segregation explains that alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation and retain their distinct identities.


48.

Assertion (A): Linkage reduces the frequency of recombination between two genes.
Reason (R): Genes located close together on the same chromosome are often inherited together.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Linked genes do not assort independently and are inherited together unless separated by crossing over.


49.

Assertion (A): A test cross determines whether an individual with a dominant phenotype is homozygous or heterozygous.
Reason (R): A test cross is performed by crossing the individual with a homozygous recessive organism.
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: A test cross involves crossing an individual showing the dominant phenotype with a homozygous recessive individual to determine its genotype.


50.

Assertion (A): Pleiotropy is a condition where a single gene influences multiple traits.
Reason (R): The phenotypic effects of pleiotropy are due to multiple alleles of a gene.
Answer: (C) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation: Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene affects multiple traits, but it is not due to multiple alleles; it is the result of the gene's diverse roles in an organism.