1 ABSTRACT
The Rapid Cycling Brassica rapa, also known as RCBr, are plants genetically designed to grow at a fast rate. The plant is also well known for the ease of pollination and easy breeding cycle. These traits make RCBr an ideal candidate for testing Gregor Mendel’s theories of inheritance. Brassica rapa acts as a test subject in testing cross-pollination, allowing the understanding to the dominant allele of colored stems. The stems that were visible above the soil ranged from green to purple. The purple coloring was caused by anthocyanin. The anthocyaninless gene (anl), determines whether or not anthocyanin will be expressed. In the homozygous, recessive form (anl/anl), anthocyanin expression is completely suppressed, and the plant stems appear a bright green color. If the genotype is anl/ANL or ANL/ANL, then anthocyanin is expressed at varying levels and the plants are purple. The complete data was used to agree or disagree with Mendel’s theories.
2 INTRODUCTION
Needs to have background and explains relevance of understanding genetics using cogent examples. Question, hypothesis and prediction clearly stated. Based on at least three independent sources (see below) with correct citations. Description and explanation of experimental system being used.
3 MATERIALS AND METHODS
Conveys experimental procedure in sufficient detail such that experiment could be repeated by a student next semester. Timeline of events is present. Past tense used. Written in narrative/prose form. Variations from prescribed protocol explained. Source of seed and genotype given.
4 RESULTS
Complete set of data for all sections included, described in narrative form and attributed to collector. Chi Square analysis conducted on combined section data. Data organized clearly (e.g. tables, graphs etc) that are appropriately labeled and titled. Numbered sequentially and referred to by number in text. No interpretations or conclusions. Includes statistical analysis.
35 pts
5 CONCLUSION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Complete, correct and internally logical analysis present in prose form. Correct statistical analysis performed and explained. Analysis used to support or refute hypothesis. Possible sources of error explained. No factual/conceptual errors of analysis or application of content/material.