Activity 4

Breeding Corn

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

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Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Corn Reproductive Structures

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Introduction

Sexual reproduction is reproduction in which two parents contribute genetic material to the offspring.

Selective breeding is the process by which organisms with desirable traits are mated with the goal of producing even more desirable offspring.

Read the introduction.

Activity 4: Breeding CornActivity 4: Breeding Corn

How can information about the genetic makeup of plants help farmers breed plants for desirable traits?

Challenge

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Breeding Corn: First Generation

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Procedure

Basic Genetics

An organism has two copies of the gene for each of its traits. These copies are called alleles.

A dominant trait will mask another version of a trait. A recessive trait will be hidden by a dominant trait.

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Procedure

Creating a Punnett Square

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Which describes the cross that produced ear A? Ear B?

Punnett Square X Punnett Square Y Punnett Square Z

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Procedure

Breeding Corn: Second Generation

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Follow Up

How does a Punnett square show the possible results of a cross between two individuals?

Analysis 1

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Follow Up

What do you predict will happen if a purple corn plant with the genes Pp is bred with a corn plant with purple kernels and the genes PP? Explain your answer, and include a matching Punnett Square.

Analysis 3

Activity 4: Breeding Corn

Follow Up

How could scientists use selective breeding to help solve a sustainability challenge such as breeding a crop that can survive drought?

Analysis 4

Activity 4: Breeding CornActivity 4: Breeding Corn

How can information about the genetic makeup of plants help farmers breed plants for desirable traits?

Revisit the Challenge

Activity 4: Breeding CornActivity 4: Breeding Corn

allele dominant Punnett square recessive selective breeding sexual reproduction trait

Key Vocabulary