Question

Define the following:

Test cross

Define a test-cross.

Answer 1

Test cross is a cross between an organism with an unknown genotype and a recessive parent. It is used to determine whether the individual is homozygous or heterozygous for a trait.

Answer 2

Crossing of an F₁ individual having a dominant phenotype with its homozygous recessive parent is called a test cross. A test cross is performed to determine the genotype of the F₂ plant. In a typical test, a cross, an organism showing a dominant phenotype and whose genotype is to be determined is crossed with one that is homozygous recessive for the allele being investigated, instead of self-crossing.