NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Principles of Inheritance and Variation

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 – Principles of Inheritance and Variation provide clear, step-by-step answers to all textbook questions. This chapter explains core genetic concepts such as Mendel’s laws of inheritance, dominant and recessive traits, chromosomal theory, linkage, recombination, sex determination, and genetic disorders. These NCERT class 12 biology chapter 4 solutions are designed to simplify complex topics and strengthen conceptual clarity, helping students prepare effectively for board exams and competitive entrance tests like NEET. The solutions improve comprehension and memory by including definitions, diagrams, and worked examples. Whether revising for exams or completing assignments, these reliable NCERT answers serve as a valuable resource for Class 12 students aiming for high scores in biology.

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NCERT class 12 Chapter 4 

This chapter delves into the Principles of Inheritance and Variation based on the classical genetics introduced by Gregor Mendel. It covers:

• Mendel’s Laws: Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment

• Genotypes and Phenotypes

• Dominant and Recessive Traits

• Alleles, Chromosomes, and Gene Mapping

• Sex Determination

• Genetic Disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and cystic fibrosis

• Pedigree Analysis

• Linkage and Recombination
  
  

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Find the NCERT solutions for Class 12 Biology, Chapter 4: Principles of Inheritance and Variation, here.

1. Mention the advantages of selecting a pea plant for the experiment by Mendel.

Solution: Mendel chose pea plants for his experiments because:

• Pea plants show clear, contrasting traits (e.g., tall vs. short, round vs. wrinkled seeds, yellow vs. green pods), making it easier to study inheritance patterns.

• Pea plants have bisexual flowers, allowing for self-pollination, which helps in controlling the genetic cross.

• Cross-pollination can be easily controlled through emasculation.

• They have a short life cycle, producing many seeds quickly, which facilitates the study of multiple generations.

2. Differentiate between the following.

(a) Dominance and Recessive

(b) Homozygous and Heterozygous

(c) Monohybrid and Dihybrid

Solution:

(a) Dominance and Recessive:

• Dominance: A dominant allele expresses itself in the presence of a recessive allele.

• Recessive: A recessive allele only expresses itself in the absence of a dominant allele.

(b) Homozygous and Heterozygous:

• Homozygous: An individual has two identical alleles for a trait (e.g., TT or tt).

• Heterozygous: An individual has two different alleles for a trait (e.g., Tt).

(c) Monohybrid and Dihybrid:

• Monohybrid: A cross between two organisms differing in a single trait (e.g., seed color).

• Dihybrid: A cross between two organisms differing in two traits (e.g., seed color and seed shape).

3. A diploid organism is heterozygous for 4 loci; how many types of gametes can be produced?

Solution: A diploid organism heterozygous at four loci (e.g., Mm, Nn, Oo, Pp) can produce 16 different types of gametes, as each pair of alleles can produce two types of gametes (e.g., M or m for the first locus, N or n for the second, etc.).

Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 1 Reproduction In Organisms

4. Explain the Law of Dominance using a monohybrid cross.

Solution: The Law of Dominance, proposed by Mendel, states that when two different alleles for a trait are present, the dominant allele will express itself while the recessive allele will be suppressed. The recessive trait may reappear in the next generation.

Example:

In a cross between a tall plant (RR) and a short plant (rr), all offspring in the F1 generation will be tall (Rr), as the tall allele (R) is dominant.

5. Define and design a test cross.

Solution: A test cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual displaying a dominant phenotype. This is done by crossing the individual with a homozygous recessive individual.

Example:

Cross a tall (Tt) plant with a dwarf (tt) plant. If the offspring include both tall and dwarf plants, the tall parent is heterozygous (Tt). If all offspring are tall, the tall parent is homozygous (TT).

6. Using a Punnett Square, work out the distribution of phenotypic features in the first filial generation after a cross between a homozygous female and a heterozygous male for a single locus.

Solution: In a cross between a homozygous female (bb) and a heterozygous male (Bb), using a Punnett square would show the following possible genotypes for the offspring: 50% Bb (black coat color) and 50% bb (white coat color). The phenotypic ratio will be 1:1.

Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants

7. When a cross is made between a tall plant with yellow seeds (TtYy) and a tall plant with green seeds (Ttyy), what proportions of phenotype in the offspring could be expected to be

(a) tall and green.

(b) dwarf and green.

Solution: The phenotypic proportions for the offspring will be:

• 3 tall and green plants

• 1 dwarf and green plant

This results from the combination of different alleles for height and seed color.

8. Two heterozygous parents are crossed. If the two loci are linked, what would be the distribution of phenotypic features in the F 1 generation for a dihybrid cross?

Solution: If the genes are linked, the phenotypic distribution in the offspring will primarily reflect the parental traits. There may be fewer recombinant phenotypes compared to the expected 16 combinations due to incomplete linkage.

9. Briefly mention the contribution of T.H. Morgan to genetics.

Solution: T.H. Morgan made several important contributions, including:

• Proving that genes are located on chromosomes.

• Discovering sex-linked inheritance.

• Studying gene linkage and recombination.

• Developing the concept of chromosome mapping.

10. What is pedigree analysis? Suggest how such an analysis can be useful.

Solution: Pedigree analysis is the study of family history over generations to trace the inheritance of specific traits. It is useful in:

• Identifying genetic disorders and understanding inheritance patterns.

• Helping genetic counselors assess the risk of genetic diseases.

• Understanding how certain traits are passed through families.

  Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Human Reproduction

11. How is sex determined in human beings?

Solution: Humans have an XX/XY sex determination pattern. Female sex chromosomes are XX, while male sex chromosomes are XY. Females can only generate gametes with X chromosomes, but males can produce gametes with both X and Y chromosomes. When a male Y chromosome-containing gamete fertilizes with a female X chromosome-containing gamete, the result is a male fetus. When a male X chromosome-containing gamete fertilizes with a female X chromosome-containing gamete, the fetus is female.

Solution: A set of three alleles – IA, IB and i – control the blood group characteristics in humans. Where alleles IA and IB are equally dominant, and allele i is recessive to the other alleles. The table below depicts the genotypes and blood groups.

Thus, if the father has blood group A and the mother has blood group B, then the possible genotype of the parents will be as follows:

A cross between heterozygous parents will produce progenies with AB blood group (I A I B ) and O group (ii).

13. Explain the following terms with an example.

(a) Co-dominance

(b) Incomplete dominance

Solution: Co-dominance

Co-dominance refers to the situation where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, neither being dominant over the other. Both alleles contribute equally to the phenotype.

Example: In human blood groups, the A and B alleles are co-dominant. If a person inherits the A allele from one parent and the B allele from the other, the result is AB blood type, where both A and B antigens are expressed on the surface of red blood cells.

Incomplete dominance

Incomplete dominance is the phenomenon where neither allele is completely dominant over the other, leading to a blending of traits in the heterozygote. In the F1 generation, the resulting phenotype is an intermediate expression of the two parental traits.

Example: In Mirabilis jalapa (four o'clock plant), when a red-flowered plant is crossed with a white-flowered plant, the F1 hybrid produces pink flowers, which is a blend of the red and white traits, demonstrating incomplete dominance.

14. What is point mutation? Give one example.

Solution: Point mutation refers to a genetic mutation where there is a change in a single nucleotide base pair in the DNA sequence. This can occur due to a substitution, insertion, or deletion of a single base pair, leading to a change in the codon, which may result in a change in the protein produced. Point mutations can sometimes cause significant effects, especially if they occur in crucial regions of the gene.

Example: Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a point mutation where a single nitrogen base, guanine, is replaced by adenine at the sixth codon of the β-globin gene. This substitution causes the amino acid glutamic acid to be replaced by valine in the hemoglobin protein. This slight change leads to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells instead of the normal biconcave discs. The sickle-shaped cells are less flexible and can obstruct blood flow, causing the symptoms of sickle cell anaemia, such as pain and organ damage.

Check Out: Class 12th Question Banks

15. Who proposed the chromosomal theory of inheritance?

Solution: The chromosome theory of inheritance was proposed by Walter Sutton and Theodor Boveri in the early 20th century. They suggested that chromosomes, which carry genes, are the vehicles of inheritance and that the segregation and independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis explain the inheritance patterns observed by Gregor Mendel.

16. Mention any two autosomal genetic disorders with their symptoms.

Solution: Autosomal Genetic Disorders and Their Symptoms

Down's Syndrome Symptoms :

• Flat hands and short neck

• Broad forehead

• Partially open mouth with a furrowed tongue

• Mongolian-type eyelid fold and stubby fingers

• Stunted psychomotor, physical, and mental development

• Heart deformities and deformities in other organs

• Underdeveloped genitalia and gonads

Sickle Cell Anaemia Symptoms :

• The shape of red blood cells (RBCs) changes from round, biconcave discs to sickle-shaped (curved) under low oxygen tension.

• Sickle-shaped RBCs are rigid and less flexible, causing them to get stuck in small blood vessels, which can lead to pain episodes, anemia, and organ damage.

• Individuals may experience episodes of severe pain, known as "sickle cell crises."

• Increased risk of infections, fatigue, and delayed growth.

Also Check, Class 12th Sample Papers

Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 FAQs

1. What is Chapter 4 of Class 12 Biology about?

Chapter 4, Principles of Inheritance and Variation, covers genetics topics such as Mendel's laws, chromosomal theory, sex determination, and genetic disorders.

2. Are diagrams included in the Chapter 4 solutions?

Yes, important diagrams like Punnett squares and genetic crosses are explained step-by-step.

3. How do these solutions help in board exam preparation?

They provide accurate answers, improve conceptual understanding, and offer exam-relevant explanations.

4. Are NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 4 useful for NEET?

Yes, the solutions are aligned with NEET and help build a strong foundation in genetics.