For C. elegans, self-fertilization of the hermaphrodite allows for homozygous worms to generate genetically identical progeny. But how about heterozygous hermaphrodites (+/-)? Will all of their offspring have +/- genotype; or 25% with +/+, 50% with +/-, and 25% with -/- ?
Thanks.
David
Ahh, I think this would be a good time to get old school and bust out the trusty punnet square and work it out yourself as it seems like you’re just starting out with genetics.
(yes it is the latter)
C. elegans is clonal and sounds like all their progeny should have same genotype. Sure, I can do a test to get the answer.
C. elegans is clonal and sounds like all their progeny should have same genotype.You're thinking of parthenogenesis (and certain forms of parthenogenesis at that). C. elegans is a selfing hermaphrodite, and generates haploid sperm and oocytes that then fuse to form a diploid zygote. As Snug says, you can work out the results with a Punnett square.
even without drawing a Punnett square in anger you have the answer in your original post. Each generation the heterozygotes reduce by half and you close the deal by selecting one of the two homozygotes.