Question

‌What are Mendelian factors also known as?

Answer 1

Hint:
Mendelian factors are simply genes. Mendel while performing the experiment on inheritance of traits (characteristics), used the term factors for the units which code for these traits. Later, these factors were given the term genes.

Complete answer:
The chromosomal theory of inheritance proposed by Mendel states that there are genes which are passed on from one generation to the next in contrasting pairs on the homologous chromosomes. The genes were called Mendelian factors. A gene is the unit of inheritance which is carried from by a gamete. Gene occurs in a chromosome and controls the expression of a character in cooperation with other genes and environment. A Chemical gene is a segment of DNA called cistron that has a particular function. One cistron controls the production of one polypeptide.

Most of the genes have two alleles, a recessive allele and a dominant allele. If both alleles are identical, the individual is called homozygous for the trait. If both alleles are different, the individual is called heterozygous. The presence of an allele does not assure that the trait (character) will be expressed in the individual who possesses it. In heterozygous individuals, the dominant is the only allele that is expressed. The recessive allele is also present, but it is unexpressed. The genotype of an individual is determined by the many alleles it possesses. An individual’s phenotype or physical appearance is determined by its alleles as well as by the environment.

Note:
Genes are the working subunits of DNA. Each gene occupies a fixed position (locus) on a chromosome. It contains a particular set of instructions, usually coding for a particular protein or for a particular function.