Which term denotes the offspring resulting from crosses between true-breeding lines?

Which term denotes the offspring resulting from crosses between true-breeding lines?

• A. Cross-pollination
• B. Fertilization
• C. Trait
• D. Hybrid

Answer: (D)

Offspring produced from crosses between true-breeding lines are hybrids. True-breeding lines are homozygous for a gene, so crossing two different lines brings together one allele from each parent. The resulting offspring usually carry two different alleles (are heterozygous for that gene) and show a new combination of traits, which is why they’re described as hybrids. Cross-pollination describes the pollen transfer process itself, not the offspring. Fertilization is the union of gametes to form a zygote. A trait is just a characteristic of an organism, not the origin of the offspring.

Offspring produced from crosses between true-breeding lines are hybrids. True-breeding lines are homozygous for a gene, so crossing two different lines brings together one allele from each parent. The resulting offspring usually carry two different alleles (are heterozygous for that gene) and show a new combination of traits, which is why they’re described as hybrids.

Cross-pollination describes the pollen transfer process itself, not the offspring. Fertilization is the union of gametes to form a zygote. A trait is just a characteristic of an organism, not the origin of the offspring.