Mendel’s Theory of Heredity

In 1866, MendelMendel, Gregor Johann, the father of genetics, proposed a theory of heredity based on the results of Pisum experiments he had conducted since 1856. Mendel’sMendel, Gregor Johann experiments were meticulously planned, and he used a large number of plants for easier interpretation of results. He also focused on specific (binary) traits rather than examining the plants in toto. When one form of a trait was crossed with the other form, all F1 hybrids were of one of the two forms. This form was called the dominating form, while the other form was called the recessive form. When the F1 hybrids self-pollinated, dominants and recessives were obtained in the ratio 3:1 in F2. MendelMendel, Gregor Johann was able to further resolve the dominants in F2 into one part true-breeding (homozygote) and two parts hybrid (heterozygote). To explain his observations, MendelMendel, Gregor Johann postulated the existence of a factor inside each of a germinal and pollen cell, such that the two factors united during fertilizationfertilization. Although Mendel’sMendel, Gregor Johann work was referred by a few, it was largely forgotten until its independent rediscoveryMendelian rediscovery in 1900 by de Vriesde Vries, Hugo, CorrensCorrens, Carl, and TschermakTschermak, Erich von.