#Question id: 15151

In this problem we will explore some of the many ways that mutations in two different genes can interact to produce different Mendelian ratios. Consider a hypothetical insect species that has red eyes. Imagine mutations in two different unlinked genes that can, in certain combinations, block the formation of red eye pigment yielding mutants with white eyes. In principle, there are two different possible arrangements for two biochemical steps responsible for the formation of red eye pigment. The two genes might act in series such that a mutation in either gene would block the formation of red pigment. Alternatively, the two genes could act in parallel such that mutations in both genes would be required to block the formation of red pigment.

Further complexity arises from the possibility that mutations in either gene that lead to a block in enzymatic activity could be either dominant or recessive. If the crosses is made between a wild type insect with red eyes and a true breeding white eyed strain with mutations in both genes. Such considerations yield the Pathways in series with a recessive mutation in one gene and a dominant mutation in the other, determine the phenotype of the F1 progeny and the expected phenotypic ratio of red to white eyed insects in the F2.