GRAPH

In this lab, we studied the concept of Mendelian genetics, lethal alleles, and co-dominance. We did this by planting corn and soybeans. After letting our plants grow, we counted and analyzed the colors of their leaves. After the analysis, we would use these numbers to calculate the expected values, chi-square test, and X2 critical. Using our X2 critical value, we would then decide if we wanted to accept or reject our null hypothesis. We used our calculations and the data we collected to plot the graphs above.

Our corn plants had parents that were heterozygous for green and white leaf colors, however, the offspring had two different types of phenotypes. The phenotypes had a non-Mendelian ratio that was 3 green to 1 white. These phenotypes can be used to explain lethal alleles because the white-leafed plants had lethal alleles. That is because white leaves cannot conduct photosynthesis, hence, they will die very shortly. This group had a calculated value chi-squared value of 1.103 and an X2 critical value of 1.103.

Our soybean plants had three phenotypes, 1 green to 1 yellow to 2 yellow-green. From the phenotype of these leaves, we can tell that this is an incomplete dominance. The third phenotype that shows both parents’ phenotypes, yellow-green, allowed us to explain its genotype and how it includes the phenotypes of each parent. This group had a calculated chi-squared value of 0.739 and an X2 critical value of 5.991.