Breeding Corn
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Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Corn Reproductive Structures
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Introduction
Read the introduction.
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Sexual reproduction is reproduction in
which two parents contribute genetic
material to the offspring.
Selective breeding is the process by
which organisms with desirable traits are
mated with the goal of producing even
more desirable offspring.
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Challenge

How can information about the
genetic makeup of plants help
farmers breed plants for
desirable traits?
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Breeding Corn: First Generation
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Procedure
Basic Genetics
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An organism has two copies of the gene
for each of its traits. These copies are
called alleles.
A dominant trait will mask another
version of a trait. A recessive trait will be
hidden by a dominant trait.
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Procedure
Creating a Punnett Square
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Which describes the cross that
produced ear A? Ear B?
Punnett Square X
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Punnett Square Y
Punnett Square Z
Procedure
Breeding Corn: Second Generation
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Follow Up
Analysis 1

How does a Punnett square show the
possible results of a cross between two
individuals?
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Follow Up
Analysis 3

What do you predict will happen if a
purple corn plant with the genes Pp is
bred with a corn plant with purple kernels
and the genes PP? Explain your answer,
and include a matching Punnett Square.
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Follow Up
Analysis 4

How could scientists use selective
breeding to help solve a sustainability
challenge such as breeding a crop that
can survive drought?
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Revisit the
Challenge

How can information about the
genetic makeup of plants help
farmers breed plants for
desirable traits?
Activity 4: Breeding Corn
Key
Vocabulary

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allele
dominant
Punnett square
recessive
selective breeding
sexual reproduction
trait
Activity 4: Breeding Corn