National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

The presence of albino corn seedlings typically indicates a genetic trait that inhibits the production of chlorophyll, the pigment necessary for photosynthesis. If the parent plants carried a recessive gene for the albino trait, this gene could be passed to the offspring. In corn seedlings, if both parents carried the recessive gene, it would significantly increase the likelihood of producing albino seedlings, as these seedlings would lack the necessary genetic instructions to synthesize chlorophyll. Without chlorophyll, the seedlings are unable to perform photosynthesis and consequently cannot survive.

The other options indicate circumstances that could affect the growth of corn seedlings but do not correctly address the genetic basis of the albino characteristic. Nutrient issues, herbicide effects, or improper seed storage may impact plant health but do not specifically account for the recessive genetic trait seen in albino plants.