Origins of Genetics

Mendel
Known as the father of genetics
Hereditary information is passed on from
generation to generation-in packets
called genes.
Some genes may remain dormant for a
number of generations
Mendel used the common pea plant to
demonstrate genetic traits
o Studied 7 traits stem length, seed shape, seed colour,
pod shape, pod colour, flower colour, flower position
o each of these traits had two possibilities (called alleles)
o example: stem length could either be tall or dwarf, seed
colour could either be yellow or green
Using these phenotypes (observable characteristics), Mendel was
able to demonstrate dominant and recessive traits.
Mendels Law of Segregation: members of a pair of alleles for a
given trait are segregated (separated) when gametes are formed.

Law of Independent Assortment

When two or more pairs of
characteristics show dominance and
segregation independently of the other.

Punnett Squares
Tool used to determine genetic outcomes
Dominant genes are capitalized
Recessive genes are small letters
Homozygous alleles have two of the same letter
Heterozygous alleles have two different letters
Example)
A homozygous green pea plant (GG) is being crossed with a
heterozygous green pea plant (Gg).
G
G
g

GG

GG

Gg

Gg

Genotype outcome:
Phenotype outcome:

1) A green pea plant (Gg) is crossed with a yellow pea plant (gg).

Genotype outcome:
Phenotype outcome:

2) A tall plant (TT) is crossed with a tall plant (Tt).

Genotype outcome:
Phenotype outcome: