Chapter 9, Problem 16ESP

The maternal-effect mutation bicoid (bcd) is recessive. In the absence of the bicoid protein product, embryogenesis is not completed. Consider a cross between a female heterozygous for the bicoid alleles (bcd⁺/bcd⁻) and a male homozygous for the mutation (bcd⁻/bcd⁻).

1. (a) How is it possible for a male homozygous for the mutation to exist?
2. (b) Predict the outcome (normal vs. failed embryogenesis) in the F₁ and F₂ generations of the cross described.