Question

The following is a classic example of extra-chromosomal inheritance?

• A. Sickle cell anemia
• B. Color blindness
• C. Variation in Mirabilis jalapa
• D. Hemophilia

Hint:

Common examples of extra-chromosomal inheritance are \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} &\textit{Mirabilis jalapa} &\text{Mitochondrial inheritance in humans} \end{aligned} } \] Traits such as colour blindness and hemophilia are X-linked, not cytoplasmic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall extra-chromosomal inheritance. Extra-chromosomal inheritance is caused by genes present outside the nucleus, mainly in \[ \boxed{ \text{Mitochondria and Chloroplasts.} } \]

Step 2: Identify the classic example. The leaf colour variation in \[ \boxed{\textit{Mirabilis jalapa}} \] (four-o'clock plant) is controlled by chloroplast genes and is inherited through the maternal parent. Thus, it is a classic example of cytoplasmic (extra-chromosomal) inheritance. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Variation in }\textit{Mirabilis jalapa}} \] is the correct answer. Therefore, \[ \boxed{(C)} \] is the correct answer.