Genotypes and Phenotypes

Before You Begin: You may either copy and paste this document into a word processing program of your choice or print this page.

Items Needed:
One coin

Directions:
Flip a coin 2 times for each trait investigated in the worksheet.

If the coin lands on heads, record a capital letter
if the coin lands on tails, record a lowercase letter.

The capital letters will represent a dominant allele; the lowercase letters will represent a recessive allele.

Check the Genotype/Phenotype Key to determine what trait your individual will inherit.
We did the first one for you as an example. Our student flipped the coin and it landed on tails; therefore, he recorded a lowercase “f” in the chart. On the next flip, the coin landed on heads; therefore, he recorded a capital “F” in the chart. When he consulted the genotype/ phenotype key, he found that Freckles were a dominant trait, which means that the individual will have freckles.
Continue flipping the coin to fill in the chart. When you have completed the chart, use the key to determine the phenotype of the individual.
When you are done, please answer the question below and attach your your answer and the chart to the assessment Genotypes and Phenotypes.
Trait
Flip the coin to determine what trait the child will receive from their mother
Flip the coin to determine what trait the child will receive from their father
Combine the letters placing the capital letter first
Consult the genotype/phenotype key and record what trait will be exhibited (the individual’s phenotype)
Freckles, present or absent- use the letter F or f
f
F
Ff
Freckles present
Widow’s peak, present or absent – use the letter W or w

Earlobes attached or detached – use the letter E or e

Face Shape Round or Square – use the letter R or r

Cleft Chin present or absent –use the letter C or c

Bushy Eyebrows or Fine Eyebrows- use the letter B or b

Question:
This activity describes the dominant and recessive pattern of inheritance. Describe two other patterns of inheritance listed in the lesson.