Mono Hybrid Crosses Punnet T Square
Mono Hybrid Crosses Punnet T Square
Mono Hybrid Crosses Punnet T Square
Students will simulate a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous parents and utilize the
experimental data to develop a Punnett Square for the prediction of the offspring. Students will
learn and apply knowledge of key terms of inheritance during this exercise.
SCSh2. Students will use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field
investigations.
SB2. Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
Background
Monohybrid crosses are the first step to understand Mendelain genetics. Mendels laws of
inheritance should be discussed prior to this exercise.
Procedures
Step 1: Duration: 30 minutes (Teacher prep before class)
The instructor should prepare materials by labeling of the bags Female and the other
Male. Next place 15 red and 15 white beans in each bag.
Total Duration
Teacher preparation: 30 minutes
Class Time: 35-45 minutes
Assessment
Students will be assessed based on their completion of the activity. Since this activity does not
take the whole class time, a worksheet on monohybrid crosses may be useful after this activity to
further assess student comprehension.
Name ________________________
Introduction
Scientists use a grid-like tool (Punnett Square) to make predictions about various genetic problems. The
Punnett Square shows only the probability of what might occur and not the actual results. Probability is the
chance of something occurring. If one wants to flip a coin 100 times, since there are 2 sides to the coin, he
would expect 50 heads and 50 tails. If he flips the coin 100 times, he may actually get 60 heads and 40 tails.
Prediction is one thing, and actually getting the predicted results is another. The Punnett Square only shows the
chances of what might occur each time the event is undertaken.
Objective
In this investigation, you will use a Punnett Square to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes and their
ratios from a monohybrid cross.
Pre-lab questions
Define the following terms:
2. genotype - ___________________________________________________________________________
3. phenotype - __________________________________________________________________________
4. homozygous - ________________________________________________________________________
5. heterozygous - _______________________________________________________________________
6. trait - _______________________________________________________________________________
7. dominant - __________________________________________________________________________
8. recessive - ___________________________________________________________________________
Materials
red beans
white beans
2 small paper bags (one labeled male and the other labeled female)
Procedure
1. Each group of 2 students will pick up 2 paper bags filled with 15 red (R) beans and 15 white (r) beans. This
represents 2 heterozygous parents (Rr x Rr).
2. One student in the group will be in charge of the male bag and the other student will be in charge of the
female bag.
3. At the same time, each student will reach into their bag and pull out one of the beans. The only possibilities
that can be made from this selection are: RR (homozygous red), Rr (heterozygous red), or rr (homozygous
white). Mark the resulting genotype and phenotype in the data table.
4. Return the beans back into the bag and conduct the same process 14 more times (15 total trials).
Name ________________________
Data Table
Trial Offsprings Genotype Offsprings Phenotype
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Fill in the Punnett Square below using the parents given in the procedure: