Download MENDEL`S MAIZE MAZE Objectives: Perform a dihybrid cross on

MENDEL’S MAIZE MAZE
Objectives:
Perform a dihybrid cross on paper and observe the results of an actual one.
Compare the phenotype ratios of a dihybrid cross using different numbers of offspring.
Explain why Mendel used an organism such as peas and why he counted so many offspring.
Research terms:
phenotype
genotype
ratio
Mendel
genetic researcher
genetic studies
animals used in genetics
Procedures:
A. Do this genetic problem: A purebred purple, starchy corn plant is crossed with a purebred yellow, sweet corn plant. All the
offspring have kernels of corn that are purple and starchy. What is the phenotype ratio expected in the second generation?
B. Count the first 16 kernels of corn and record their phenotype.
C. Count one entire ear of corn kernels and record the actual number results.
D. Convert this number ratio so that it compares with the expected ratio. Make the total of the ratios add up to 16 just like the
theoretical ratios do.
E. Write down the total number of each ratio counted in the entire class from the board. Convert these numbers to ratios out of
16 (they should add up to 16, when rounding remember about significant digits).
Data:
Show work for part A here.
Create a data table here.
Answer the following questions:
List what phenotype was observed the most in the first 16 kernels. In the whole ear? In the class total of many ears?
Assess the problem with working with small numbers of offspring when doing genetic studies.
Examine what effect of using larger and larger numbers of offspring can have on data.
Name many reasons why a genetic researcher would choose to work with fruit flies instead of elephants. This should be a long list!!!
Corn kernels naturally have a wide variety of colors (yellow, blue, red, and mixtures of colors in the same kernel). Predict why you
only find yellow corn and white corn in the supermarkets.
Research why you find starchy corn in the supermarkets even though sweet corn usually tastes better to people?