Crosses of Sorghum in the Study of Genetics

Abstract

Sorghum seedlings will be observed in the laboratory experiment in order to test the different combinations that can be formed, which vary by gene expression. A hypothesis can be drawn to study the difference between dominant and recessive traits. Chi-square analysis will be learned in this lab to test the data while performing the hypothesis.

Introduction

This experiment is intended to determine the possible traits of gene expression in sorghum plants. This grain is very common in Africa as a grass and well known for cattle feed. The study of genetics is explored by models that can be easily manipulated in the laboratory, so they do not take up much space and reproduce quickly. Besides the contribution it has done in this matter,these studies have led scientist discover new possibilities to exploit this grain as a source of fuel and food.

In order for the white allele to be dominant, the possible genotypes in white plants could be one heterozygous (white dominant) and one homozygous (white dominant).

Sorghum is a genus of numerous species of grasses, one of which is raised for grain and many of which are used as fodder plants either cultivated or as part of pasture. The plants are cultivated in warmer climates worldwide. Species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of all continents in addition to the South West Pacific and Australasia. Sorghum is in the subfamily Panicoideae and the tribe Andropogoneae (the tribe of big bluestem and sugar cane).

Other names include Durra, Egyptian Millet, Feterita, Guinea Corn (Africa), Jwari, Jowar (India), Juwar, Milo (Spain), Kaolian (China), Shallu, Sudan Grass, Jondle (Maharashtra, India), Cholam(Tamil Nadu, India), Jola, Jonnalu (Andhra Pradesh, India), Gaoliang, Great Millet, Kafir Corn (Africa), Dura, Dari, Mtama, and Solam. For more specific details on commercially exploited sorghum, see commercial sorghum, also known as milo.

Grain sorghum is the third most important cereal crop grown in the United States and the fifth most important cereal crop grown in the world. In 2010, Nigeria was the world's largest producer of grain sorghum followed by the United States and India. In developed countries, and increasingly in developing countries like India, predominant use of sorghum is as fodder for poultry and cattle. Leading exporters in 2010 were the United States, Australia and Argentina; with Mexico as the largest importer of sorghum.

There is international effort to improve sorghum farming and to find additional applications of sorghum. Sorghum is now finding demand primarily as poultry feed, secondarily as cattle feed and in brewing applications.

Materials And Methods

Trays with fertile soil were previously seeded by the lab staff with sorghum grains. Each tray presented different crosses of the plants, such as Green versus White and Green versus Red. The students observed the phenotypic characteristics in around ten sets of seedlings. In a Green-White set the number of green plants were counted versus the number of white plants. The same procedure was repeated with the Green-Red set of plants and similar sets. Once all data was collected, ...