# Gregor Mendel carried out crosses with pea plants and observed patterns in the characteristics of offspring. Describe the contribution Mendel made to our understanding of genetic inheritance, and explain why his work was not immediately accepted by other scientists.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 7.3 Variation and evolution · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Mendel crossed pea plants with different characteristics (such as flower colour or seed shape) and recorded the characteristics of the offspring.
2. He found a correlation in characteristics between parents and offspring, identifying dominant and recessive alleles / traits.
3. His work was not accepted at first because other scientists did not verify or replicate his results at the time / his findings were criticised.
4. It was not until the 20th century, when other scientists verified his results (and better microscopes / technology became available), that his work became recognised / accepted.

## Key terms

- [characteristics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/characteristics)
- [genetic inheritance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/genetic-inheritance)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/gregor-mendel-carried-out-crosses-with-7fcf46ff) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.