OBJECTIVE : To determine the Mendelian inheritance of corn by using the F2

progenies provided.

INTRODUCTION

Corn (Zea mays) is a plant that has been used in genetic research for the last century
and selectively bred by Native Americans for even longer! In this lab, observations
will be made of genetic traits in plants. Corn is used as a tool in introducing
Mendelian inheritance. Careful observation and collection of data on the presence of
pigmentation and different textures in corn kernels, provides scientific evidence for
Mendel’s Law of Dominance.

The F2 ears of corn supplied are of known parental and F1 crosses which makes it
suitable in the study of Mendelian inheritance. The phenotypes of the corns kernel
(seeds) are clear and contrasting which makes it simpler for students to differentiate
the phenotypes of the kernels. They are yellow, white, purple, red kernel colours and
smooth and wrinkled endosperm phenotype of corn kernels. The large number of
kernels or progenies in an ear of corn meet the requirement for Mendelian inheritance
studies. The corn also shows simple Mendelian monohybrid, dihybrid inheritance and
also gene interactions.

F2 ears of corns provided will be of the 3:1, 9:3:3:1, 1:1, 9:7, 13:3, 9:3:4, 12:3:1 ratios
following Mendelian inheritance. Students are to determine the inheritance of the
corns by using the F2 ears of corns provided.

METHOD

Refer Lab Module.

QUESTIONS

1. Construct a Mendelian inheritance diagram for each of the corn provided.

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2. Explain in detail the type of inheritance each corn follows (monohybrid,
dihybrid, test-cross or gene interaction). Use diagrams to help in the
explanation.

RESULTS
Estimation of corn ratio

Corn 1

Phenotype Kernel Counts Estimation

Corn 2

Phenotype Kernel Counts Estimation

Corn 3

Phenotype Kernel Counts Estimation

Corn 4

Phenotype Kernel Counts Estimation

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Chi square Test

[O-E]2
E

CORN 1

Hypothesis:
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………

PHENOTYPES

OBSERVED VALUE

EXPECTED VALUE

CHI SQUARE VALUE

Conclusion:……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………

CORN 2

Hypothesis:
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………

PHENOTYPES

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OBSERVED VALUE

EXPECTED VALUE

CHI SQUARE VALUE

Conclusion:……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………

CORN 3

Hypothesis:
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………

PHENOTYPES

OBSERVED VALUE

EXPECTED VALUE

CHI SQUARE VALUE

Conclusion:……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………

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CORN 4

Hypothesis:
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………

PHENOTYPES

OBSERVED VALUE

EXPECTED VALUE

CHI SQUARE VALUE

Conclusion:……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………

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