The Origins of Genetics

Pea Plants Like Those Studied by Gregor Mendel

The study of genetics started in the 1800s when an Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel laid much of the groundwork. By breeding thousands of plants, and carefully recording all of his work, Mendel was able to accurately predict how traits were passed between generations. Mendel’s observations even took place before the discovery of meiosis.

In this topic, you will learn about the history of genetics, including the work of Gregor Mendel. You will investigate how experiments were used to determine heredity patterns, as well as determining traits in offspring. You will even get a chance to predict the inheritance of traits based on the Mendelian laws of heredity.

Essential Questions

• Why is Gregor Mendel considered the “Father of Genetics?”
• How do organisms inherit traits?
• How can a Punnett square be used to predict inheritance of traits?