Question

The best method to expose lethal genes is ___________.

• A. Outcrossing
• B. Inducing mutation
• C. Inbreeding
• D. Inducing heterozygosity

Hint:

Inbreeding helps identify and eliminate harmful recessive genes from a population.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding lethal genes.
Lethal genes are usually recessive and remain hidden in heterozygous condition. They express their effect only when present in the homozygous state.
Step 2: Role of inbreeding.
Inbreeding increases homozygosity in a population by mating closely related individuals. This increases the chance that recessive lethal genes become homozygous and get expressed.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) Outcrossing: Incorrect — it increases heterozygosity and masks lethal genes.
(B) Inducing mutation: Incorrect — creates new mutations but does not specifically expose existing lethal genes.
(C) Inbreeding: Correct — it exposes recessive lethal genes by increasing homozygosity.
(D) Inducing heterozygosity: Incorrect — lethal genes remain hidden in heterozygous condition.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The best method to expose lethal genes is inbreeding.