11.2 Applying Mendel's Principles-1

Name Class Date
11.2 Applying Mendel’s Principles

Lesson Objectives
Explain how geneticists use the principles of probability to make Punnett squares.
Explain the principle of independent assortment.
Explain how Mendel’s principles apply to all organisms.
Lesson Summary
Probability and Punnett Squares Probability is the likelihood that a particular
event will occur. Probability predicts the recombination of alleles:
Of an allele pair, the probability of each allele in a gamete is ½, or 50 percent.
When F1 hybrid individuals are crossed, the probability of
 two recessive alleles is ¼.
 two dominant alleles is ¼.
 one dominant allele and one recessive allele is ½ (¼ + ¼).
Organisms that have two identical alleles for a gene are homozygous for that trait. If they
have different alleles for the same gene, they are heterozygous for that trait.
Physical traits are an organism’s phenotype. Its genotype is its genetic makeup.
A Punnett square is a mathematical tool that helps predict combinations in genetic
crosses.
Independent Assortment The principle of independent assortment states that

genes for different traits segregate independently during the formation of gametes. In two-
factor crosses, the phenotypes of the F2 offspring occur in a 9:3:3:1 ratio: 9 with with both
traits dominant, 3 with the first trait dominant and the second trait recessive, 3 with the first
trait recessive and the second trait dominant, and 1 with both traits recessive.
A Summary of Mendel’s Principles

Genes are passed on from parents and determine traits.
Where two or more alleles for a gene exist, some may be dominant and others recessive.
In sexually reproducing organisms, offspring receive a copy of each gene from each
parent. The alleles segregate when forming gametes.
Alleles for different genes usually segregate independently.
Probability and Punnett Squares

1. What is probability?
2. In a parent pea plant with the allele pair Gg, what is the probability that one gamete will
contain the G allele?
163
Name Class Date
3. Complete the graphic organizer to define the characteristics of homozygous and

heterozygous genotypes and phenotypes.
Homozygous Heterozygous
Genotype
Phenotype
4. The dominant allele for smooth pod shape in peas is S. The recessive allele for constricted
pod shape is s. In the Punnett square, show the result of crossing two heterozygous
parents (Ss). Write the genotype and the phenotype of each type of offspring in the space
provided.
S s
S Genotype: Genotype:
Phenotype: Phenotype:
s Genotype: Genotype:
Phenotype: Phenotype:
For Questions 5–9, refer to the Punnett square above.

5. What is the probability of a heterozygous offspring? Explain your answer.
6. What is the probability of a homozygous offspring? Explain.
7. What is the probability of a homozygous recessive offspring?
8. What is the probability of a smooth phenotype?
9. What is the probability of a homozygous recessive individual (ss) producing a gamete

with a dominant allele (S)? Explain.
164
Name Class Date
Independent Assortment
10. State the principle of independent assortment below.
11. Using the principle of independent assortment, complete the Punnett square to show the
results of an F1 cross between two individuals heterozygous for both pod color (C = green
and c = yellow) and pod shape (S = smooth and s + constricted). The gametes and some
of the genotypes of the F2 offspring are given.
CS cS Cs cs
CS CCSS
cS ccSs
Cs CCss
cs ccSs
For Questions 12–15, refer to the Punnett square above.

12. Which genotype belongs to an offspring that is homozygous recessive for both traits?
What is the probability of that genotype?
13. What is the phenotype of an individual heterozygous for both traits?
14. What is the probability of an F2 offspring having the green pod color and smooth pod
shape? Explain. (Note: Remember that more than one genotype can produce this
phenotype.)
15. The Punnett square predicts a 9:3:3:1 ratio for phenotypes. Explain what that ratio means.
165
Name Class Date
Summary of Mendel’s Principles

For Questions 16–20, complete each statement by writing the correct word or words
16. The units that determine the inheritance of biological characteristics are .
17. A form of a gene is a(n) .
18. If two or more forms of a gene exist, some may be dominant and others may be .
19. The offspring of most sexually reproducing organisms have two copies of each gene. One
came from each .
20. Alleles from different genes usually independently from each other when
gametes form.
For Questions 21–25, match the term with its description.

21. Determine traits A. parents
22. Can be two of these in one gene B. alleles
23. Allele that is expressed C. dominant
24. Where genes come from D. segregate
25. What genes do during gamete formation E. genes
26. Explain the importance of Thomas Hunt Morgan’s experiments with fruit flies. Why was
his work an important addition to Mendel’s research?
Apply the Big idea

27. Four sisters begin attending your school. One has brown hair and brown eyes. Another
has brown hair and blue eyes. The third also has blue eyes, but blond hair. The fourth has
blond hair, too, but she has brown eyes. Explain how the principle of independent
segregation accounts for these sisters having four different phenotypes for two traits.
166

11.2 Applying Mendel's Principles-1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

11.2 Applying Mendel's Principles-1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

11.2 Applying Mendel's Principles-1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Name Class Date

11.2 Applying Mendel’s Principles

Independent Assortment The principle of independent assortment states that

A Summary of Mendel’s Principles

Probability and Punnett Squares

3. Complete the graphic organizer to define the characteristics of homozygous and

For Questions 5–9, refer to the Punnett square above.

6. What is the probability of a homozygous offspring? Explain.

7. What is the probability of a homozygous recessive offspring?

8. What is the probability of a smooth phenotype?

9. What is the probability of a homozygous recessive individual (ss) producing a gamete

For Questions 12–15, refer to the Punnett square above.

13. What is the phenotype of an individual heterozygous for both traits?

Summary of Mendel’s Principles

For Questions 21–25, match the term with its description.

Apply the Big idea

You might also like