This classroom exercise aims to help students understand the three Ps of genetic complexity: polymorphic, polygenic, and pleiotropic. Using coin flips and dice rolls, students are able to generate the genotype and phenotype of a random individual. From there, students find a mate for this individual and determine the phenotype of their offspring. The randomness generated by the coin and dice mechanics illustrates the principles of independent assortment and segregation, variable gene expression, and environmental effects.
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The American Biology Teacher
Vol. 80 • No. 2
February 2018
Vol. 80 • No. 2
February 2018
pleiotropy
polygenes
polymorphisms