GENETIC PHENOTYPES AND GENOTYPES
OF FICTITIOUS CHARACTERS
OBJECTIVE: To understand why genetic differences exist in all sexually reproducing organisms using Punnett Squares. Phenotypes are characteristics that we develop, as a result of our genotypes. Using this information one should be able to predict the characteristics that may appear as a result of a genetic cross.
MATERIALS: Drawing material: Paper, colored pencils, crayons, markers and/or watercolors. Poster paper, pictures and some imagination. Reference guides in the form of books, comic books, or internet web addresses. Two coins (pennies are fine).
PROCEDURE: Break up into groups of two. You may work by yourself if you choose to. Search reference books, comics or Internet sites (marvelcomics.com, dccomics.com Disney.com, etc) to choose two fictitious parents in the form of Super-heroes, cartoon characters, Disney, fantasy, or video game heroes and/or villains. One male and the other female. Develop a list of 25 or more characteristics that these characters have in common, or that are unique to that individual. These are their phenotypes. Ex: green skin color, ability to fly. List your characteristics and share it with your partner.
As you both develop your lists denote either a capital or lower case letter for each characteristic (allele). Decide whether a trait is homozygous dominant (AA), homozygous recessive (aa) or heterozygous hybrid (Aa). Using the two coins: flip both coins to determine which trait will appear in the cross. Two heads-dominant, two tails- recessive, heads and tails- still the dominant trait but heterozygous. Traits may also show up as a result of Incomplete Dominance, Codominance, or be Sex-Linked. Do this for all of your traits. From this information, make a new list of traits for the child. Then draw and name your new character at the age of 13-17. List all of its special powers, defects, etc. Let your imaginations run wild.
Your finished project should have three lists of genotypes and phenotypes, one for each character. Pictures of all three characters, a title, and show at least 5 Punnett squares. Place your names on the back
Extra Credit: Write a story line for your new character; include things such as lifestyle, homeland, career, etc. Stories should be at least a page in length. Extra credit is worth up to 25 points.
DUE DATE: _______________________________________
Be creative and have fun! Projects will be graded according to neatness, originality, and correctness of genetic crosses.
