Lab 2 - Genetics

This lab demenstrates the role of genes and it's relations to inheritance.

Specific terms used during this lab:

1) Genotype: Genes of an individual for a particular trait or traits. This is represented clearly on the Punnett Square lab scenario 5. Here, the genotype for each heterozygous fly is listed Ll horizontally, and Ll vertically.

2) Phenotype: Visible expression of the genotype. In the dragon lab, we are challenged to create a carbon copy of a dragon. This is accomplished by changing the chromosomes in order to match traits. Alleles play a major role in this process.

3) Alleles: An alternative form of a gene having the same locus on a pair of chromosomes that affect the same trait. This is accomplished by in the dragon lab, using horns as an example, by changing the allele for that particular trait.

4) Crossing- over: This is accomplished during the prophase of Meiosis. This is when the chromatids held together by a centromere are no longer identical. This is where and recessive genes play a big role with the respect to the allele.

5) Dominate genotype is identified in the Punnett Square in scenario 5 as LL. Because this is a common gene shared by the parents, the individual has an allele designation LL. This is called a homozygous dominate genotype.

6) Recessive genotype, identified in the lab as ll. This means that the zygote has received 2 recessive alleles. This genotype is called called homozygous recessive.

This lab was a great tool to reinforce the affects of traits passed on by the "parents". I understand that during Meiosis, our genes are crossed matched by chromosomes, and that the alleles will affect our genetic outcome.