descriptive probabilites

Name _____________________________ Period___________________Date__________________

OPTIONS FOR INQUIRY

Probability Practice
In this lab, you will model the distribution of alleles, calculate the probabilities of specific allele combinations, and compare them to those that Gregor Mendel found in his work.
PROBLEM

What is the probability that certain genotypes and phenotypes will occur?
MATERIALS
 2

pennies
 4 cm masking tape
 marker
 one folded, 3" × 5" index card with a monohybrid cross on it (e.g., Aa × aa, or
AA × Aa)
PROCESS SKILLS
 Calculating
 Probabilities

PROCEDURE

1. Using the coins, tape, and marker, label a set of two coins to simulate the cross listed on your group's index card. Use a capital letter to represent a dominant allele and a lowercase letter to represent a recessive allele. One coin should have the mother's gametes. The other coin should have the father's gametes.
2. Flip the 2 coins simultaneously. The two coins together make up the genetic material of the zygote. Record the genotype of the offspring.
3. Repeat step 2 for a total of 50 trials. Record the results of your coin tosses below. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Holt McDougal Biology
Options For Inquiry

1

Meiosis and Mendel
Section 3: Mendel and Heredity

Name _____________________________ Period___________________Date__________________

Probability Practice continued

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
CALCULATIONS