Lesson Two: Mendel and Heredity

Time Frame: 1 week 2 days

Objective: I will be able to explain who Mendel is, and his contributions to heredity. I will
be able to calculate rations to predict the results of crosses using probabilities.

Standards: Mendels laws of inheritance are interwoven with current knowledge of DNA
and chromosome structure and function to build toward basic knowledge of modern
genetics. Gene mutations can be passed to offspring. Empowered learner, digital citizen.

Big questions: Who is Gregor Mendel and what is his contribution to heredity? How can
we predict what trait will be inherited?

Key terms: heredity, genetics, monohybrid cross, true-breeding, P generation, F1

generation, F2 generation, allele, dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous,
genotype, phenotype, law of segregation, law of independent assortment, test cross,
probability, pedigree, polygenic trait, co dominance

Plan Outline:

1. Web quest- Gregor Mendel web quest using

http://www.pkwy.k12.mo.us/homepage/rboeckman/File/Mendel_webquest.pdf
2. Punnett Square- read pages 168-174 in Biology text. Punnett square worksheet and
raitios.
3. Read pages 175-180
4. Discover how plant breeding methods have changed since Mendels time. What
equipment plant breeders use to conduct their breeding? Create a Piktochart to
model your findings.
5. Have scientist from OARDC come and talk about their plant breeding process.
Students get to ask questions that are prepared ahead of time.

Assessments: Punnett Square quiz, Piktochart on research project

Punnett Square Quiz

Name ___________________________________ Period ________________ Date______________________

Use a test cross to determine whether a plant with purple flower is Pp or PP

1. Circle the following underlined words to make the sentence true. If the purple
flower is PP that would be heterozygous or homozygous recessive or
dominate.
2. If the purple flower is Pp that would be heterozygous or homozygous recessive
or dominate.

Determine the possible outcomes

P p P P

p p

p p

3. Determine what the letters in each box represent. (Purple flower or White Flower)

4. If the test cross shows that half of the offspring have white flowers, what is the
genotype of the plant with purple flowers?