The F2 generation is:

The F2 generation is:

• A. First filial generation from crossing two different true-breeding parents
• B. Offspring of two F1 individuals cross-pollinating
• C. Second generation from self-pollinating F1
• D. Offspring from a cross between a mutant and a wild type

Answer: (C)

The F2 generation is the second filial generation, produced when the F1 hybrids are self-pollinated. After crossing two true-breeding parents to make F1 hybrids, allowing those F1 plants to self-pollinate reveals how the alleles segregate into offspring, giving a mix of genotypes (and, for a single gene with complete dominance, a 3:1 phenotypic ratio in many cases). This selfing approach is the standard way to define F2 and study Mendelian segregation. It’s also true that crossing two F1 individuals can produce F2, but the classic definition emphasizes self-pollination of F1 to generate the second generation. The other options describe either the F1 generation, a cross not defining F2, or a cross that isn’t the standard way F2 is produced.

The F2 generation is the second filial generation, produced when the F1 hybrids are self-pollinated. After crossing two true-breeding parents to make F1 hybrids, allowing those F1 plants to self-pollinate reveals how the alleles segregate into offspring, giving a mix of genotypes (and, for a single gene with complete dominance, a 3:1 phenotypic ratio in many cases). This selfing approach is the standard way to define F2 and study Mendelian segregation. It’s also true that crossing two F1 individuals can produce F2, but the classic definition emphasizes self-pollination of F1 to generate the second generation. The other options describe either the F1 generation, a cross not defining F2, or a cross that isn’t the standard way F2 is produced.