What is a monohybrid cross?

A monohybrid cross specifically involves a genetic cross that focuses on one trait that is affected by a single gene and its alleles. In such a cross, two parental varieties differ in a single characteristic, enabling the study of inheritance patterns for that trait. For example, when crossing a true-breeding plant with purple flowers with a true-breeding plant with white flowers, the resulting offspring can be analyzed to observe how the trait for flower color is transmitted. This helps illustrate the principles of dominance, segregation, and the inheritance patterns dictated by Mendelian genetics.

By concentrating on one trait, such as flower color, a monohybrid cross allows researchers to easily track how that single characteristic is inherited in subsequent generations. The simplicity of focusing on one trait helps in understanding the fundamentals of inheritance without the complications that arise in crosses involving multiple traits, where interactions between genes can significantly influence the outcomes.