![]() | Project title | Plantfairies and plantmonsters: Adventures in Mendelian genetics![]() ![]() |
Difficulty Level | ||
Project page |  Click here to view this science project | |
Description | ||
In this science project, you are going to explore advanced concepts in Mendelian genetics. Our "research scientists" have genetically engineered a plant, called "plantfairies", to control insect pests. But something went wrong with our experiment, resulting in a mutant form (called plantmonsters) that are dangerous to humans. You are going to help our research team by identifying the genotypes of the plantfairies and their offspring in order to determine which plants may be carrying the dangerous alleles. | ||
Instructions preview | ||
Our imaginary scientists from "Plants-R-Us, Inc." have been experimenting with genetic engineering of plants to use in biocontrol projects. Their intention was to create a carnivorous plant, called "plantfairies", similar to Venus Flytraps, pitcher plants and sundews, which get nutrients by consuming insect pests like mosquitos. Something terrible happened and a bizarre mutation appeared in the third generation of engineered plants that allows them to grow giant flowers with sharp, dangerous teeth, and a preference for eating human beings, - these mutant plants have been named "plantmonsters". The plantfairies are harmless dwarf flowers with "tongues" that "flick", to catch ..... |