The gene that likely controlled flower color (purple or white) in mendel's pea plants has also been identified. the flower color gene encodes a protein called bhlh that cells require to make three different enzymes (dfr, ans, and 3gt) that function in the pathway shown above, leading to synthesis of the purple pigment anthocyanin. a. what is the most likely explanation for the difference between the dominant allele (pj and the recessive allele (p)of the gene responsible for these flower colors? b. given the biochemical pathway shown above, could a different gene have been the one governing mendels flower colors?