Fishy Mendelian Genetics

Activity Summary
The process by which genetic information is passed to offspring was in-part discovered by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century. His pea-plant breeding experiments paved the way for modern genetics before DNA was even discovered. This activity models the classic pea-plants by substituting a different research animal unique to the MBI fellow in order to engage the students with something relevant to their lives.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate proficiency with Punnett Squares and monohybrid crosses
2. Describe how two diploid parents can give rise to offspring with phenotypic traits that neither parent
possesses
3. Analyze an organism’s genotype to determine its phenotype
4. Explain the difference between heterozygotes and homozygotes

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
Longhorn Sculpin, monohybrid crosses, Punnett Square

Last updated: 3/2/2015