Introduction to Genetics
Learning Target:
1. I can define Genetics.
2. I can explain the terms, dominant and
recessive
3. I can use a Punnett Square to predict
the results of organisms sharing
genetic material.
FYI: on your exit slip today you will need to
answer these three learning targets and hand it
to me on your way out the door.
Introduction to Genetics
Vocabulary – we will be using some new words
in the lesson. As I say each word identify how
well you think you understand it by raising 1
finger if you have never heard of it and 5 fingers
if you think you could teach someone the
meaning
Genetics
Genotype
Genes
Dominant
Phenotype
Recessive
Introduction to Genetics
Dominant vs. Recessive Genes
hand clasp, fingers, earlobe, eye color
Dominant – a trait that is expressed when
present.
Recessive – a trait that is masked by the
presence of a dominant gene.
Introduction to Genetics
Think – Pair – Share
1. Answer the question on the 3x5 card.
2. When directed get into your question
groups and agree on an answer to
share with the class
3. One person from the group shares with
the class.
Introduction to Genetics
How did the work of genetics get started?
You may have heard of Gregor Mendel. He was
a priest that experimented with pea plants.
Introduction to Genetics
Mendel’s experiments began in 1856 when he
noticed differences in the pea plants in his
garden.
He began to identify phenotypes (how the
organism looked)
a. green vs. yellow
b. tall vs. short
c. wrinkly vs. smooth
Introduction to Genetics
Mendel’s study of heredity (the passing of
physical characteristics from parents to
offspring) form the foundation of genetics (the
study of how traits are inherited through the
interaction of genes)
Introduction to Genetics
Before Mendel’s work people believed the traits
exhibited by the offspring were a blending of the
parents traits. Mendel showed this was not the
case.
A punnett square is a chart that is used to see
all of the possible combinations of traits that can
result from a genetic cross.
Introduction to Genetics
Revisit Vocabulary
Think about the definition of each of the
words. How do yours compare with mine? In
the next lesson we will add to these words and
record working definitions of each.
Introduction to Genetics
Exit Slip
Please respond the lesson’s learning target.
You will need to hand this paper to me as you
exit the classroom
1. I can define Genetics.
2. I can explain the terms, dominant and
recessive
3. I can use a Punnett Square to predict
the results of organisms sharing
genetic material.