Mendel and the History of Genetics
Gregor Mendel
Born 1822
Began his work at age 21
A monk and school teacher interested in plant breeding
Studied pea plants
Discovered the basic principles of heredity
Mendel’s StudiesPea plants were an ideal choice for
study
Displayed seven traits in one of two contrasting forms:
• seed shape• seed color• seed coat color• pod shape• pod color• flower position• stem length
Mendel’s Pea Plant
1
5
4
3
2
Removed stamensfrom purple flower
Transferred sperm-bearing pollen fromstamens of white flower to egg-bearing carpel of purple flower
Parentalgeneration(P)
Pollinated carpelmatured into pod
Carpel(female)
Stamens(male)
Planted seedsfrom pod
Examinedoffspring:all purpleflowers
Firstgenerationoffspring(F1)
Mendel’s monohybrid
crosses
Crossed male pea parts (stamens) and female pea parts (carpels) with opposite traits
Carpel matures to first-generation offspring (F1)=
PURPLE FLOWERS
Mendel’s Procedure