Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A : Multiple alleles can exist in populations Reason R : More than two alleles is possible in an individual In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Population may contain many alleles. But a diploid individual contains only: \[ 2 \text{ alleles} \] for a gene.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Multiple alleles refer to the existence of more than two alternative forms of a gene within a population. However:
• A diploid individual can possess only two alleles at a time.

Step 1: Understand Assertion A carefully. Assertion states: \[ \text{Multiple alleles can exist in populations} \] This is correct. Example: \[ \boxed{ I^A,\ I^B,\ i } \] These three alleles control ABO blood group system in humans. Thus populations can contain many alleles for same gene. Hence Assertion A is true.

Step 2: Understand Reason R carefully. Reason states: \[ \text{More than two alleles is possible in an individual} \] This statement is incorrect because:
• Humans are diploid organisms.
• A diploid individual carries only two alleles for a particular gene. For example: \[ I^AI^B,\quad I^Ai,\quad ii \] An individual cannot possess all three alleles simultaneously. Thus Reason R is false.

Step 3: Compare Assertion and Reason.
• Assertion is true.
• Reason is false. Hence correct option becomes: \[ \boxed{ \text{A is true but R is false} } \]

Step 4: Choose correct answer. Thus correct option is: \[ \boxed{(3)} \] Final Conclusion: Multiple alleles may exist in a population, but an individual can possess only two alleles for a gene. Hence correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(3)} \]