Teacher: Özlem Kahraman
Probability of Genetics
Teacher: Özlem Kahraman
Subject: Probability Aim of the lesson: Calculates the probability of simple events. Age of students: 16
Probability is a subject of mathematics with interesting applications in the real world. In this activity, applications of probability in genetics are discussed.
The value of studying genetics is in understanding how we can predict the likelihood of inheriting particular traits. This can help plant and animal breeders in developing varieties that have more desirable qualities. It can also help people explain and predict patterns of inheritance in family lines. One of the easiest ways to calculate the mathematical probability of inheriting a specific trait was invented by an early 20th century English geneticist named Reginald Punnett click this icon to hear the preceding name pronounced. His technique employs what we now call a Punnett square. This is a simple graphical way of discovering all of the potential combinations of genotypes that can occur in children, given the genotypes of their parents. It also shows us the odds of each of the offspring genotypes occurring.