Mendel's experiments — A/L Biology

A. Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance Patterns Definition: Mendelian genetics refers to the principles of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel through his experiments with pea plants, which form the foundation of classical genetics. Explanation: Mendelian genetics explains how traits are passed from parents to offspring through discrete units called genes. Mendel's experiments with pea plants revealed predictable patterns of inheritance that follow specific mathematical ratios. He discovered that traits are controlled by pairs of factors (now called alleles) that separate during gamete formation. These principles allow us to predict the probability of specific traits appearing in offspring based on parental genotypes. Mendel's work established the fundamental laws that govern inheritance in sexually reproducing organisms.