Cup-a-Genes

Students use manipulatives to model how alleles are inherited during sexual reproduction.

Students may work individually, but it’s much easier with a partner. Follow instructions below for set-up.

If time is short, skip Part 2.

• Offspring that arise from sexual reproduction have genetic information from two parents; half of the offspring's genetic information comes from each parent.
• Individuals with two parents have two copies of every gene; the copies may be the same or different.
• Individuals with two parents inherit two alleles for every gene (one from each parent), but there can be many different alleles within a population.

Copies, markers or colored pencils, cups
Assorted candy (or other objects). You will need 5 different shapes, 4 in multiple colors

Cup-a-Genes student pages (pdf) — Make one per student or pair

1. Set up the Gene Pool. This takes about 30 minutes.
   • Label 5 cups, each with one of the shapes in the table below.
   • Choose 5 types of candy (or other objects) to represent genes. You’ll need different numbers of colors for each shape (see table).
   • Place the candy into the labeled cups.
   • Here’s what you’ll need for 24 students (24 parent cups):
2. Compile 24 Parent cups (it would be instructive for students to do this step; each pair will need 2 cups).
   1. For each parent cup, randomly draw 2 of each shape from the gene pool.
   2. If you choose to compile parent cups, then at least show students what the gene pool looks like so that they can see where the genes in their cups came from. Point out that each trait has different numbers of colors. These represent the different alleles (versions) available in the gene pool for that gene.
3. Post a key showing which object represents each shape on the student sheet.
4. Walk through the first step on the student sheet, making sure students understand how to record the parents' alleles.
5. Give students time to work.

• Can students connect genes from this activity back to Mutt Mixer? E.g., this gene has 4 alleles, just like color in dogs.