Question #5a061
1 Answer
Using true breeding plants controlled a number of genetic variables making drawing conclusions from the results much easier.
Explanation:
True breeding plants could be assumed to have only one type of genetic material for the trait being studied. This controls the variable of the input of genetic material.
A non true breeding plant is heterogeneous. A heterogenous plant has more than one type of allele or trait for the gene being studied.This makes it impossible to know which gene type is actually influencing the outcome.
By starting with true breeding plants Mendel was able to conclude that no new information was involved in the outcomes of plants. The appearance of a trait was a matter of an existing trait that was recessive being expressed.
Without the use of true breeding plants Mendel would not have discovered the laws of genetics.
