The gummy bear genetics experiment.
As youngsters, many of us made Frankenstein-esque creations from different colors of the sweet treats.
What was once a fun snack time activity can now be highly educational.
The gummy bear genetics experiment. (Photo: Jacinta Bowler/ScienceAlert [CC BY 2.0])
You likely know that human individuals get half their genetic makeup from their father and half from their mother.
Therefore, DNA inherited from both grandparents show up in their gummy bear grandchildhowever the proportions may be uneven.
DNA continues to recombine as it is passed along.
To determine the genetic possibilities for each gummy bear combination, you will need to use Punnett Squares.
These simple charts are a quick method to determine which traitsdominant or recessivewill appear in offspring.
Teachers can use thislesson plan.
For a quick refreshers on alleles (gene variants) and how they interact, see the video below.
