Fast Plants

Dexter Le

6/1/18

Biochemistry 2

Fast Plants Final Reflection

Throughout this semester, I have been observing the plants that our group planted in order to test Mendel’s theory of genetics and inheritance. We had observed two generations of plants, the F1 generation and the F2 generation. For our F1 generation, we had selected the seeds with the “Non-Purple Stem” and “Standard Purple Stem Hairy” traits. These plants would cross-pollinate and create seed pods which would serve as the primary seeds for the F2 generation.

There are also many variables that can play into the effect of each generation’s development such as the nursery and water. The growth of the plant can be severely affected by the environment. According to the United Kingdom Cannabis Social Clubs, the author states, “For plants to photosynthesis and grow they need constant air exchange to refresh the CO2 content of the surrounding air during both day and night periods”. In addition, water is a vital component to plants. Without water, the plants would not be able perform photosynthesis. These challenges affect the plant’s possible phenotypes. When I started analyzing the plant pictures, I have noticed that the development of the F2 generation was very similar to the F1 generation. A similarity was the the developing leaves of the F2 generation. Although the F2 generation did not have as many leaves in comparison to the F1 generation, the first weeks were very similar to the past generation. The parent generation grew faster whereas the F2 generation took some time in order to fully develop. I believe that the slow development of the F2 generation could possibly be the environment changes taking place outside. During the development of the parent generation, we were still going through Winter. Whereas, the F2 generation started development in late Winter and throughout Spring. In addition, the F2 generation was in development through an abnormally cold Spring which I believe could have played an effect on the growth of the generation.

Although in appearance, it seems as if some of the leaves in the F2 generation have different colors and patterns in comparison to the parent generation. We predicted that the F2 generation would have minor differences in comparison to the parent generation. Our prediction was correct because we have noticed colors that have been mixed with the F2 plants from the parent generation. The shape of the plants in the F2 generation resemble the parent generation almost exactly. After observing the pictures over and over, I have realized that the greatest indicator that determines the future of the plant’s appearance would have to be through development. In the F1 generation, you can see mini leaves growing during development. However, at maturity, the plant has retained the same color. This same indicator has also occurred on the F2 generation. At development, it is easy to determine the appearance of the plant as the leaves would grow and retain the color.