Scholars Biology 3 Genetics Lab Report Searching for Correlations Between Phenotypes

Refer to your syllabus for a more detailed description of items to be included in the lab report.

Components of the Lab Report PurposePurpose MethodsMethods ResultsResults DiscussionDiscussion Literature CitedLiterature Cited

Purpose Describe why the experiment was doneDescribe why the experiment was done Identify the hypotheses being testedIdentify the hypotheses being tested -- 1 hypothesis for simple inheritance --1 hypothesis for complex inheritance --2 hypotheses for taste perception

Hypothesis for Simple Inheritance If the dominant and recessive alleles are present in equal frequencies, this Punnett square represents the ratio of expected offspring for the whole population. Ee E e EE Ee Ee ee 75% free earlobes 25% attached earlobes Choose any trait (EXCEPT short index finger) and determine whether the alleles are present in equal frequencies. (See p. 95 for details.)

Hypothesis for Complex Inheritance Multigenic Traits often show a range of phenotypes that approaches a normal distribution for numbers of individuals with each phenotype. For our experiment: Determine whether we see a normal distribution of heights with different central values for males and females.

Hypotheses for Taste Perception Determine whether there is a relationship between 1. Supertaster and PTC-tasting phenotypes 2. Supertaster phenotypes and any ONE of the following: Gender Preference for Brussels sprouts Preference for Cheese Preference for Black coffee Preference for Dark chocolate 2. Supertaster phenotypes and any ONE of the following: Gender Preference for Brussels sprouts Preference for Cheese Preference for Black coffee Preference for Dark chocolate

Methods  Provide a brief description of the techniques, materials and/or equipment used in the experiment.  Emphasize how the methods accomplish the purpose given in the previous section.  Focus on the determination of the phenotypes that are represented in your hypotheses, rather than all the traits tested.  DO NOT write this section as a step-by- step guide for repeating the experiment.  DO write it as a summary of the experimental procedure in past tense.

Results Present your experimental data in this section.Present your experimental data in this section. Introduce the reader to the data with a brief description that refers to the content of specific figures or tables.Introduce the reader to the data with a brief description that refers to the content of specific figures or tables. Choose the most appropriate format for each type of data presented.Choose the most appropriate format for each type of data presented. –Simple Inheritance: Table or Histogram –Complex Inheritance: Line Graph –Taste Perception: Table or Histogram

Results Essential elements of a line graph or histogramEssential elements of a line graph or histogram –Put a label and specify the units on each axis –Make the plotted points or bars clearly visible –Connect related points by a best-fit line –Include a key to identify different lines, bars –Provide a caption BENEATH the graph or histogram Brief descriptionBrief description TitleTitle –Number consecutively from Figure 1

Graphing the Data for Complex Inheritance Number of Students Height (cm) Male Average Female Average Class Average Figure 1: Distribution of Heights in a Scholars’ Biology 3 Class During Fall Semester Heights of 25 students were grouped into the size categories shown.

Displaying Data in a Histogram Percent of Students Figure 2: Frequency of Tongue-Rolling Trait in a Scholars’ Biology 3 Class During Fall Semester Phenotypes of 25 students were determined by visual observation. Tongue-Rolling Phenotypes

Results Essential elements of a tableEssential elements of a table –Provide a caption ABOVE the table TitleTitle Brief descriptionBrief description –Present the data in clearly labeled columns and rows – Provide labels and units of measure if applicable –Number consecutively from Table 1

Displaying Data in a Table Table 1: Frequency of Mid-Digital Hair in a Scholars’ Biology 3 Class During Fall Semester Phenotypes of 25 students were determined by visual observation. PhenotypePercentage Mid-digital Hair 0.44 No Hairy Digits 0.56

Discussion  Present your interpretation of the results in this section.  Draw conclusions that are based on the experimental evidence.  Discuss whether or not the original hypotheses were supported by the data.  Explain any discrepancies in your data.  Elaborate on the biological implications of the results.*  Relate your results to existing scientific knowledge.* *See Dr. Colavito’s Other Links Web Page for more information on Supertasters. *See Dr. Colavito’s Other Links Web Page for more information on Supertasters.

Literature Cited  Include ONLY references cited in your report.  To cite references in the text, use the format (Author, year).  In the literature cited section, use the following format:  For journal: Author, year, Title, Journal Name, volume number and pages  For book: Author, year, Title, Publisher and City of publication  For Web Page: URL and Date Accessed

Length of Each Section  Purpose: 1-2 paragraphs  Methods: 1 page  Results: 1 page + figures and tables  Discussion 1-2 pages  TOTAL LENGTH: 3-5 pages of written material  Figures and tables should be included on additional pages.