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Investigating_Genetic_Variation

The document outlines an experiment investigating genetic variation through allele frequency simulation and measurements of height and tongue-rolling ability among classmates. Results indicated a genotypic ratio of 4:5:2 and a phenotypic ratio of 9:2, supporting Mendelian inheritance principles. The importance of genetic variation for species adaptation and survival is emphasized, along with reflections on the learning experience related to genetics.

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kimanyclarke12
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2 views

Investigating_Genetic_Variation

The document outlines an experiment investigating genetic variation through allele frequency simulation and measurements of height and tongue-rolling ability among classmates. Results indicated a genotypic ratio of 4:5:2 and a phenotypic ratio of 9:2, supporting Mendelian inheritance principles. The importance of genetic variation for species adaptation and survival is emphasized, along with reflections on the learning experience related to genetics.

Uploaded by

kimanyclarke12
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Kimany Clarke 11T

Investigating Genetic Variation (Skill: ORR and AI)

Aim:
To investigate genetic variation.

Materials:
• Plastic cup
• Petri dish
• Marbles
• Brown paper bag

Procedure

Part 1: Allele Frequency Simulation


1. Twenty star alleles was placed randomly into a brown paper bag.

2. The blue stars represented the dominant allele, while the red stars represented the
recessive allele. The paper bag was shaken, and with eyes closed, two stars was drawn at
a time until all the stars was removed.

3. The phenotypic ratio and genotypic ratio was calculated.

Part 2: Discontinuous and Continuous Variation


1. The heights of 14 individuals in the class was measured.

2. It was observed whether the 14 individuals could roll their tongue.

Results

Part 1: Genotypic and Phenotypic Ratios


THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF GENOTYPES AND
PHENOTYPES.

Toss Alleles Genotype Phenotype


1 Blue & Blue RR Blue
2 Blue & Blue RR Blue
3 Blue & Blue RR Blue
4 Red & Blue Rr Blue
5 Red & Blue Rr Blue
6 Red & Blue Rr Blue
7 Red & Blue Rr Blue
8 Red & Blue Rr Blue
9 Red & Red rr Red
10 Red & Red rr Red
Key: R = Blue (for dominant), r = Red ( for recessive)

Genotypic Ratio: RR : Rr : rr = 4 : 5 : 2

Phenotypic Ratio: Blue : Red = 9 : 2

Part 2: Height and Tongue Rolling


THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS THE HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS OF 14
INDIVIDUALS IN CLASS.

Name Height
Student 1 5'5"
Student 2 5'6"
Student 3 5'8"
Student 4 5'2"
Student 5 5'3 ½"
Student 6 6'0"
Student 7 5'4"
Student 8 5'6"
Student 9 5'9"
Student 10 5'6"
Student 11 5'4 ½"
Student 12 6'0"
Student 13 5'6"
Student 14 6'2"

Bar Graph showing Tongue and Non


Tongue rollers in class
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Tongue rollers Non Tongue Rollers
Discussion

Variation refers to the differences in genetic and phenotypic characteristics among


individuals within a species. It can be caused by genetic differences, environmental
influences. Mendel’s law of inheritance states that alleles separate randomly during
gamete formation, leading to expected ratios in offspring. In this experiment, the
expected genotypic ratio for a random cross of heterozygous parents (Rr × Rr) is 1:2:1
(RR : Rr : rr), and the expected phenotypic ratio is 3:1 (Blue : Red). Dominant alleles (R)
mask the expression of recessive alleles (r). Therefore, individuals with RR or Rr
genotypes express the dominant (blue) trait, while only rr individuals show the recessive
(red) trait. This explains why the blue phenotype was more common in the experiment.
Continuous variation is where characteristics show a continuous gradation from one
extreme to the other without a break. Example: Height in the class experiment.
Discontinuous variation is where characteristics show clear cut differences with no
intermediates. Individuals can be divided into distinct categories Example: The ability to
roll the tongue. The factors that contributing to genetic variation in natural populations:

1. Gene Flow: Introduction of new alleles from other populations.


2. Natural Selection: Favoring traits that enhance survival.
3. Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies.
Importance of Genetic Variation is that It enables species to adapt to changing
environmental conditions, improving their chances of survival. It provides the raw
material on which natural selection can work, and is therefore essential for species to
remain well adapted to their environment or to gradually change and improve by
becoming better adapted to their environment.

Conclusion:
The aim of the experiment is successful, the investigation shows how genetic variation
rises and how dominant and recessive alleles affect phenotypic expression. The results
supported Mendelian inheritance principles but shows some deviation due to chance

Reflection:

This experiment has introduced me into genetic variation and inheritance. Understanding
these principles helps explain real life genetics, including how traits are passed down in
families and why certain conditions appear more frequently in populations.

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