why we using Zea Mayes ( corn) as ideal organism in genetic studies?

Question

can someone explain to me the characteristics of Zea Mayes ( corn ) as ideal organism for genetic studies? why not using others like peas or apple? or maybe other vegetable?

Answer 1

Possibly because single genes cause single, distinct, visible results. I think the colour of the kernels can be used (red, white or yellow or a mixture of these colours) to decide if the genes are dominant or recessive. In other fruit and vegetables colour is more variable, or depends on several genes. Corn (maze) also grows faster than peas, and certainly faster than apples, and the results can be seen before the ear is ripe, so you don't have to wait as long for the results.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

fruit flies are the first to have their entire genome mapped and defined. the reason? they only have 4 chromosomes, distinctive physical traits and they multiply within days. u may b mistaken..( corns arent ideal for genetic studies) but corns are ideal for genetic engineering because one of the reasons people do research on genetic modification is to improve food supplies in poor underdeveloped countries. Mandel in his time used peas not corn.