What is the Difference Between Test Cross and Backcross?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a test cross and a backcross lies in their purpose and the types of individuals involved in the cross:
Test Cross:
- It is a cross between the F1 individual and the recessive parent.
- It is used to determine the genotype of F1 individuals, whether homozygous or heterozygous.
- All test crosses are considered backcrosses.
Backcross:
- It is a cross between the F1 individual and either of the two parents.
- It is used to improve a variety or breed by making a number of backcrosses.
- All backcrosses are not considered test crosses.
In a test cross, the dominant phenotype is crossed with the homozygous recessive phenotype (parent) to determine the genotype of the F1 individual. On the other hand, a backcross involves breeding the F1 generation with one of its parent plants to improve a variety or breed.
Comparative Table: Test Cross vs Backcross
Here is a table comparing the differences between a test cross and a backcross:
Characteristic | Test Cross | Back Cross |
---|---|---|
Definition | A cross between the F1 individual and the recessive parent to determine the genotype of the F1 individual (homozygous or heterozygous). | A cross between the F1 individual and either of the two parents to improve a variety or breed by making a number of backcrosses. |
F1 Hybrid Crossing | Crossed with a recessive genotype. | Crossed with either a homozygous dominant or heterozygous genotypes. |
All Test Crosses | All test crosses are considered backcrosses. | A backcross can be considered a test cross if the parent is recessive. |
Role of Action | Used to determine the genotype of the F1 individual, whether homozygous or heterozygous. | Used to improve a variety or breed by making a number of backcrosses. |
In summary, a test cross is used to determine the genotype of an F1 individual, while a backcross is used to improve a variety or breed by making multiple crosses with one of the parental lines. All test crosses are considered backcrosses, but not all backcrosses are test crosses.
- Reciprocal Cross vs Test Cross
- Hybridization vs Cross Breeding
- Monohybrid Cross vs Reciprocal Cross
- Monohybrid vs Dihybrid Crosses
- Recombination vs Crossing Over
- Mixed breed vs Cross breed
- Crossbreeding vs GM
- Forward vs Reverse Genetics
- Self vs Cross Fertilization
- Translocation vs Crossing Over
- Gene Conversion vs Crossover
- Linkage vs Crossing Over
- Transgenesis vs Selective Breeding
- Synapsis vs Crossing Over
- Hybridization vs Inbreeding
- Inbreeding vs Outbreeding
- Punnett Square vs Pedigree
- Self Pollination vs Cross Pollination
- Cybrids vs Hybrids