From Seed to Seed:
Plant Science for K-8 Educators

Let's summarize some of the important points we've covered...

• A single gene controls each inherited trait. However, a gene may have two or more expressions.
  
  
• Genes for a specific trait can be either dominant or recessive. If the gene for the dominant trait is present, this is the trait that will be expressed.
  
  
• The way that chromosomes segregate in the daughter cells during meiosis is entirely due to chance.
  
  
• Two reproductive cells unite to form a zygote, which develops into the embryo and, if conditions are right, a new plant. Which egg and sperm-with which chromosome configurations-will unite is also entirely a matter of chance.
  
  
• Considering the large number of chromosomes in most organisms, and the large number of genes located on each of those chromosomes, the number of possible genetic combinations resulting from the union of two reproductive cells is enormous.