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IGCSE · Cambridge (CIE) · 0610

Review all twelve Core monohybrid inheritance requirements with linked evidence

Use the full evidence chain for all twelve Core outcomes without implying wider completion.

Monohybrid inheritance pathway · 17.4

Core and Extended; Biology 0610, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked

Before you begin

  • Recall chromosomes, genes and alleles, meiosis, haploid gametes and fertilisation restoring two chromosome sets.

Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.

Quick readiness check

Which term describes two different alleles of one gene?

What you will learn

  • Combine definitions gamete records squares and pedigree evidence
  • State model assumptions and separate expected from observed outcomes

Original teaching model. Pedigrees and records are fictional; allele and probability assumptions are stated.

Review all twelve Core monohybrid inheritance requirements with linked evidenceUse the full evidence chain for all twelve Core outcomes without implying wider completion.Tt × TtColumns and rows show gamete allelesTtTtTTpresentTtpresentTtpresentttabsentPossible positions, not four guaranteed offspringTT:Tt:tt = 1:2:1Pigment present:absent = 3:1T is dominant for pigment; tt givesabsence
Use the full evidence chain for all twelve Core outcomes without implying wider completion.
Allele, phenotype and evidence key
FeatureMeaning
DefinitionsInheritance, genotype, phenotype, homozygous and heterozygous
Breeding and expressionPure-breeding condition; dominant and recessive key
Genetic diagramsGametes, square cells, 3:1 and 1:1 phenotype predictions
Pedigrees and limitsTrait key, family evidence, ambiguity and remaining Supplement work

Combine definitions gamete records squares and pedigree evidence

Inheritance transmits genetic information between generations. Genotype describes genetic make-up, including the alleles at the gene being followed; phenotype describes observable features. Identical alleles at one gene are homozygous and different alleles are heterozygous. Identical homozygous parents are pure-breeding for the stated model characteristic, whereas a heterozygote is not pure-breeding.

In the original complete-dominance key, T is expressed whenever present, so TT and Tt show pigment. The recessive absence feature is expressed as tt, without T. Tt still carries and can transmit t. Normal gamete labels contain one allele of the tracked autosomal gene: T from TT, t from tt, or T and t alternatives from Tt. Dominance does not define frequency or remove the recessive form from transmission.

State model assumptions and separate expected from observed outcomes

Construct a Punnett square using one contribution from each parent. Tt × Tt gives TT, Tt, Tt and tt: genotype TT:Tt:tt is 1:2:1 and phenotype pigment present:absent is 3:1. Tt × tt gives Tt and tt in equal positions, with phenotype 1:1. Expected counts use these probabilities and the supplied total, while actual sample counts can depart from an exact predicted ratio.

Pedigree interpretation requires the current trait key and family links. In a declared recessive-key example, pigment-producing parents with a tt offspring must both be Tt; a pigment-producing sibling can remain TT or Tt. The Core sequence supplies teaching and self-checked practice, not a mastery certificate. Test crosses, codominance, ABO blood groups and sex linkage are Supplement requirements needing further study beyond these Core lessons

Pause and explain

What distinguishes the phenotype ratios of Tt × Tt and Tt × tt under this rule?

Put the idea to work

Worked example

Connect a stated Tt × Tt cross from parental allele information to genotype and phenotype predictions.

Show the worked solution
  1. Derive T/t gametes from each parent and combine the four positions TT, Tt, Tt and tt.
  2. Apply the dominant-pigment key to group them as three present and one absent. State the 1:2:1 genotype ratio separately from the 3:1 phenotype ratio and retain finite-sample limits.

Answer Connect the chain: parental genotypes → one-allele gametes → square combinations → phenotype rule → predicted ratio. Use pedigree evidence to identify or retain ambiguous parental genotypes.

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From guided practice to a new situation

Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.

1 · Guided

For Tt × Tt, list the possible square positions, genotype ratio and phenotype ratio using the pigment key.

Give me a hint

Fill the square before grouping phenotypes.

Compare my reasoning
  1. List TT, Tt, Tt and tt.
  2. Count genotype categories.
  3. Combine pigment-producing TT and Tt.

Positions TT, Tt, Tt, tt; genotype TT:Tt:tt = 1:2:1; phenotype pigment present:absent = 3:1.

Look for these in your work

  • Correct cells and genotype ratio
  • Correct labelled phenotype ratio
2 · Independent

A stipulated Tt × tt cross has an expected total of 48 offspring. Give the expected genotype counts and pigment phenotype counts.

Give me a hint

Each outcome category has probability one half.

Compare my reasoning
  1. Calculate 48 × 1/2.
  2. Assign the result to Tt and tt.
  3. Convert to pigment present and absent.

Expected 24 Tt and 24 tt; expected pigment present 24 and absent 24. Actual observations need not be exactly balanced.

Look for these in your work

  • Correct expected genotype counts
  • Correct phenotype counts with sample limit
3 · Transfer

In the declared recessive pedigree, both parents show pigment and have one tt offspring and one pigment-producing offspring. Infer parental genotypes, retain the second offspring’s possibilities, and name the remaining scope limits.

Give me a hint

Use each t contribution and the pigment rule, without assuming a sibling genotype.

Compare my reasoning
  1. Assign Tt to both parents.
  2. Keep TT or Tt for the pigment-producing sibling.
  3. Separate Core teaching from remaining Supplement and assessment work.

Both parents are Tt; the pigment-producing sibling can be TT or Tt. These Core lessons alone do not cover the Supplement test-cross, codominance, ABO and sex-linkage requirements or establish human teacher approval, supervised practical competence or cumulative assessment completion.

Look for these in your work

  • Correct parents and sibling ambiguity
  • Names remaining Supplement and assessment work

Common mistakes

  • Giving a phenotype ratio without the allele rule
  • Confusing 1:2:1 genotype with 3:1 phenotype
  • Claiming Core drafts complete the Supplement or wider curriculum
Recall without your notes

What can you explain now?

What distinguishes the phenotype ratios of Tt × Tt and Tt × tt under this rule?

Compare with the explanation

The first predicts 3:1 and the second 1:1

Their different gamete contributions give different genotype groupings.

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Make it stick

Without your notes, combine definitions gamete records squares and pedigree evidence and state model assumptions and separate expected from observed outcomes. Use the supplied allele key and state what the evidence can establish.

If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.

Keep learning Biology

Course scope and assessment

780 sequenced lessons provide 2340 guided, independent and application problems in characteristics, classification, cells, organisation, specimen size, membrane transport, biological molecules, enzymes, plant and human nutrition, plant transport, circulatory systems, the heart, blood vessels, blood, disease transmission, body defences, immunity, gas exchange in humans, respiration energy uses and investigations, aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration and recovery, excretion in humans, coordination and response, sense organs, hormones, homeostasis, tropic responses, drugs, asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction, sexual reproduction in plants, sexual reproduction in humans, sex hormones in humans, sexually transmitted infections, chromosomes, genes and proteins, mitosis, meiosis, monohybrid inheritance, variation, adaptive features, selection, energy flow, food chains and webs, nutrient cycles, population, community, ecosystem, population-growth phases, food supply, habitat destruction, pollution, conservation, biotechnology and genetic modification. 61 of 61 syllabus sections have linked teaching and staged practice. The earlier inheritance overview remains introductory, and the monohybrid pathway develops the relevant Core and Supplement requirements. This is not full programme completion or guaranteed exam readiness. Written practice is self-checked.

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