Josue Martinez

Dr. Marshall
Genetics Lab
Introduction
Experiments allow one, through trial, to test a hypothesis. Mendelian
genetics is a simple concept involving two principles. The first is the principle of
segregation, which entails that a trait will consist two alleles; one from each parent
will be passed on to the offspring. The second is the principle of independent
assortment, which states that different pair of alleles will be independently passed
on, allowing for recombination and a new genetic combination that is not seen in
either parental genome (ONeil 1). These principles are experimentally testable
using a test cross. A Test Cross aids in determining what allele is dominant and
which is recessive. The wild type and resulting dominant phenotype will be
apparent within the first generation of offspring.
Genetics is important in studying mutations and resulting changes in their
ultimate product. Chromosomes contain all the information needed to make the
certain organism, which is in a code composed of a sugar, phosphate backbone, and
a nitrogenous base. Proteins are the ultimate product, which genes code for where a
certain change in base combinations will result in a different expression of protein.
Genes may not oblige by the two principles require for Mendels genetics and the F1
generations offspring will express parental phenotypes. There are two types of
genes in a karyotype: autosomal and sex genes. Sex genes determine whether or not

an organism is male or female, and the autosomal genes determine all other protein
expression.
Drosophila melanogaster provides an excellent subject when testing certain
hypothesis involving genetics. This is due to a multitude reason, however none
more important than their short life spans and ease of reproduction. Although their
life consists of four different cycles, they usually only survive ten to twelve days. The
four cycles that fruit flies undergo are the Egg, Larval, Pupation, and Adult stage. A
single pair of parents will lay hundreds of eggs in their short lifespan (Deere and
Kauffman 1). These eggs are translucent and gender determination is still not
possible at this stage with simple microscope methods. It is until the larval stage
when sorting the flies by sex and specific traits become easier. In addition, the larval
stage is when they specimen will seek nourishment and will consume a substantial
amount of food. After two molts, the larva will be ready for pupation - the darkening
and hardening of the skin allows for the recognition of this stage. The final stage is
the adult fly stage; the focus of this stage is reproduction. Furthermore, in the adult
stage, identifying the sex can be performed with minimal effort. Male Drosophila
exhibits a few dark bands and caudal of their abdomen they possess a full dark
colored end. While the females have seven dark bands running along the dorsal side
of their abdomen and completely lack a fully darken caudal end. Once the separation
of sexes is completed, selective mating may be initiated and used to determine
questions involving inheritance.
The media prepare to conduct the experiments was chosen due to it being an
excellent nutritional supply for the Drosophila. It is an instant culture medium that

requires no cooking or sterilizing. It is white and flaking when dry, but once water is
mixed in, a vibrant blue color becomes apparent; it also contains a mold inhibitor so
that no other organism will compete with the Drosophila for the food supply.

http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_1.htm [ONeil]