By germinating hybrid tobacco seeds first in darkness and then in light, students make interesting observations using this challenging kit. Students set up controlled experiments that provide mathematical data to test their theoretical genetic hypothesis about heredity and the factors determined by the environment. They see how a recessive trait becomes evident. Students also germinate the hybrid tobacco seeds with one normal and one albino gene, stimulate shoot production, examine the relationship of the dominant gene (chlorophyll production) to the recessive gene and make conclusions concerning the genotype relevant to a visible phenotype. This is an excellent Lab-Aid to correlate heredity with environment influences.
Scientific Concepts:
Discover which is more important: Heredity or Environment
Controlled experiment provides mathematical data to test hypotheses
Discover how a recessive trait becomes evident
Examine the relationship of a dominant gene to the recessive gene and draw conclusion concerning the genotype relevant to a visible phenotype
Content List:
1Teacher's Guide
30Student Worksheets and Guides with Data Charts
60Germinating papers
15Germinating dishes, clear plastic, two-section
15Germinating dishes, opaque plastic, two-section
1Albino tobacco seeds, vial
Classroom Planning:
To complete this kit requires at least part of one ~50-minute class period for set-up and class time for observations and note taking over the next several weeks.
