Title: Investigation of Inheritance Patterns in Mice Fur Color

Introduction:

Understanding how traits are inherited is crucial in genetics. In this

experiment, we explored the inheritance patterns of fur color in mice,
focusing on the interplay between dominant and recessive alleles.

Objective:

To investigate how fur color traits are passed on through generations in

mice.

Methods:

1. We started by breeding "pure" mice with known genotypes,

exhibiting specific fur and eye colors.
2. Mice were stored in cages for future breeding, and statistics of fur
and eye color were recorded after each breeding.
3. A test cross was conducted between a female with white fur (bb
genotype) and a male with black fur (Bb genotype).
4. Offspring from two homozygous mice for black fur (BB genotype)
were predicted and confirmed.
5. Data was collected and organized, and percentages of offspring
with different fur colors were calculated.
6. Error analysis was performed to identify discrepancies between
predicted and observed results.

Results:

● In the initial crosses, 80% of the offspring had black fur, and 20%
had white fur.
● In the test cross, 50% of the offspring had the Bb genotype, and
50% had the bb genotype.
● Offspring from homozygous black mice all had the BB genotype,
resulting in 100% black fur.

Analysis and Conclusion:

The results aligned with predictions based on Mendelian genetics

principles. However, discrepancies in percentages may arise due to the
small sample size of mice bred. Increasing the sample size and exploring
different traits and species would enhance the experiment's robustness.
 Overall, the dominant allele was reliably passed on to at least 50% of the
offspring, supporting the hypothesis.

Error Analysis:

The main reason for discrepancies in percentages could be the small litter
size of mice, leading to sample bias. Increasing the sample size would
provide a more representative data set.

Improvements to Experimental Design:

● Increase the number of mice bred to improve statistical

significance.
● Explore different traits within mice and examine traits in other
species to broaden the scope of the experiment.
● Test inheritance patterns in future generations to observe long-term
trends.

Conclusion:

The experiment successfully demonstrated the inheritance patterns of fur

color in mice, confirming the predictions based on Mendelian genetics
principles. By addressing potential sources of error and expanding the
scope of the experiment, future studies can further elucidate the
complexities of genetic inheritance.