During the coin sex lab, we used coins and punnet squares to find out the phenotypes of certain genotypes. First, we used the punnet square to figure out the
probability of the phenotypes. We did this while looking for the phenotypes of
x-linked inheritance and
autosomal dominance. We then used coins as
alleles and as
genes to simulate
meiosis. We did this multiple times, for a
monohybrid cross,
dihybrid cross, and many other crosses. Some coins were
homozygous while others were
heterozygous. For the dihybrid cross, we were expecting around a ratio of 9:3:3:1. The results we ended with were close to the expected results. The limit of using probability to predict our offsprings' traits is that
recombination could happen and the results are always random. No matter how hard you try to find the exact result, you will never get it.
I learned a lot of things this unit. I learned about how chromosomes work and more about human genetics. It was difficult to remember all of the specific details, but remembering the main ideas was much more manageable. We also made an infographic about genetics. It was quite difficult at first, but after a while, it was easier to find resources and arrange the information together.
I have gained new skills and knowledge throughout this unit. I learned how to become more resourceful. I also learned about many different types of chromosomes and different traits. I hope to learn even more about human genetics, or genetics in general. This unit has taught me many things.
