Unit 5, Patterns of Heredity (Genetics) California Content Standards in this Unit: Genetics: 2. A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for understanding this concept: a. Students know the differences between the life cycles and reproduction methods of sexual and asexual organisms. b. Students know sexual reproduction produces offspring that inherit half their genes from each parent. c. Students know an inherited trait can be determined by one or more genes. d. Students know plant and animal cells contain many thousands of different genes and typically have two copies of every gene. The two copies (or alleles) of the gene may or may not be identical, and one may be dominant in determining the phenotype while the other is recessive. e. Students know DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of living organisms and is located in the chromosomes of each cell. This 4 week unit will focus on two main concepts: living things inherit traits in patterns, and patterns of heredity can be predicted. There will be a variety of hands-on activities covering genes and alleles, Punnett squares, human genetic traits, and probability. Genetic Traits Study Data for Mr. G's Classes: Genes and Alleles:   How to Make a Punnett Square:  How To Calculate Probability:   What is the Probability of Rolling A Pair Dice and Getting Two 1's (snake eyes!)? Answer: Probability= 1/6 x 1/6= 1/36 |
