By crossing teosinte and maize through two generations (each producing F1 and F2 offspring), Dr. Beadle was able to estimate how many genes were involved in determining the major differences between the two species.
F2 Offspring Ratios as Predicted by Mendelian Genetics
Genes involved Ratio of offspring expected to look like teosinte Ratio of offspring to look like maize Ratio of offspring expected to look like a mix of teosinte and maize
1 1/4 1/4 2/4 (1/2)
2 1/16 1/16 14/16 (7/8)
3 1/64 1/64 62/64 (31/32)
4 1/256 1/256 254/256 (127/128)
5 1/1024 1/1024 1022/1024 (511/512)

Dr. Beadle planted about 50,000 seeds from the second cross. About 100 of these F2 offspring looked like teosinte, and about 100 like maize.

Based on this result, how many genes did Dr. Beadle conclude could account for the differences between maize and teosinte?