IB Biology SL D3.2 Inheritance Question Bank
Practise IB Biology SL D3.2 by predicting inheritance from crosses and pedigrees while linking alleles, genotypes and phenotype.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB Biology SL D3.2 by predicting inheritance from crosses and pedigrees while linking alleles, genotypes and phenotype.
For what reason do gametes contain only one allele of each gene?
To prevent inbreeding in a population
Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes
The two alleles of a gene are separated during mitosis
Crossing over will always produce one allele of a gene
B
The dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) is cultivated as a food crop in tropical countries. Leaf cells in L. purpureus have 24 chromosomes.
L. purpureus can have purple or white flowers. Two pure-breeding varieties were crossed: HA 4 with white flowers and GL 424 with purple flowers. All of the F1 plants had purple flowers. The F1 plants were self-pollinated to produce an F2 generation. There were 97 plants with purple flowers and 38 plants with white flowers in the F2 generation.
Using a Punnett grid, explain the results of this cross.
Male and female gamete genotypes/alleles shown as P and p, or other letters following convention with a suitable key, in a Punnett grid.
F2 genotypes shown as PP, Pp, pP and pp.
F2 phenotypes indicated for each genotype on the Punnett grid / 3 purple to 1 white ratio indicated.

Official Punnett-grid answer image from the markscheme.
Accept other upper-case and lowercase letters for the alleles.
No Punnett grid = [2 max].
Allow ECF if alleles are incorrect.
[3]
Define the term genotype.
combination of alleles carried/inherited (by an organism);
PKD (polycystic kidney disease) is an inherited disorder that causes the kidneys to become enlarged and lose function over time. PKD is caused by a dominant allele, D, which is not sex-linked.
The pedigree chart shows the inheritance of PKD in a family.


Calculate the probability of individuals 1 and 2 having a child with PKD.
0.5 / 50\% / 21;
Explain how the pedigree chart shows that the dominant allele causing PKD is not on the X chromosome.
(If on the X chromosome)
ALTERNATIVE 1 Father evidenced route:
a. 1 has only one dominant allele on X (and not on the Y ) / would be XDY / OWTTE;
b. 1 passed his X chromosome/dominant allele to 3/7 I OWTTE OR
son/8 could not inherit the disease;
c. (so) all daughters would be affected / not possible for 3/7 to be healthy / OWTTE;
ALTERNATIVE 2 Mother evidenced route:
d. 2 does not have the dominant allele / is homozygous recessive / would be XdXd IOWTTE;
e. 2 passed her X chromosome/ X d /recessive allele(s) to 6/8; OR
6/8/sons would receive the Y chromosome with no (dominant) allele / OWTTE;
f. (so) all sons/8 would be healthy / not possible for 8 to be affected / OWTTE;
Marking guidance:
Accept Punnett grids, providing they are
clearly annotated and identify specific
individuals.
2
max