This set of worksheets focuses on understanding heredity and the transfer of traits to offspring.

Have you ever thought why your hair is a certain color or your eyes? Each gene in our DNA determines or in some way affects something in our body. This is true for humans and all other living things. DNA is composed of tons of different genes. Each gene controls a trait that is expressed in the body of the organism. Human are thought to have twenty-five thousand genes. Genes undergo changes over the life of the organism they are in. In many cases genes can be altered naturally and in some cases can be altered by their environment. Genetics is the science of understanding how characteristics are transferred from a parent to their young. We can use our understanding of genetics to do many different things. It can be used to predict what types of traits future crops will have in a certain region. It can also help us understand the genetic challenges or advantages that our children may have as they grow. While the expression of genes is never a fully certainty, it is a good predictor of possibilities. This is why learning about your family health history is important. Doctors will often use this information to help them in the diagnostic process and be sure to look at symptoms or indicators of aliments or diseases that your family members may have experienced.

This series will show students how to use statistical techniques to predict the outcome to the offspring of parents. We will start with single genetic traits and then advance on to the possibilities of receiving several traits. We will explore the differences between genotypes and phenotypes and how to predict and observe this. Students will also explore how genes are formed and carried on to other body cells. This series of worksheets keys in on the prediction of hereditary trait transfer. They start with simple Punnett Squares and move to detecting complex Dihybrid traits.



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Print Genetics Worksheets

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Using Punnett Squares

Using the Punnett square below, predict the frequencies of the genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring.

Genetics of Blood Types

Using the Punnett squares below, determine the expected frequencies of the blood types of offspring in the following cases.

Crosses Between Two Traits

We look at a cross involving two phenotypes I called a dihybrid cross.

Human Pedigree Charts

By studying a human pedigree, you can determine whether a trait is dominant or recessive.

Structure of DNA

DNA molecules consist of a sequence of nucleotides, each of which consists of a phosphate, a deoxyribose sugar and a nitrogenous base.

Transcription and mRNA

Each set of the three nitrogenous bases in the exons of the mRNA molecule is a codon. Each of these codes for a specific amino acid.

Genetics Crossword Puzzle

See how many genetics terms you have mastered.