The Science of Genetics

The Scientific Method

1. Make an Observation

• Is the observation unique?

2. Develop a Hypothesis

• This is a statement that might explain the observation and can be tested experimentally

3. Design a Conceptual Framework to be Tested

• Is it best to test the hypothesis by:
  • making a cross and looking at the segregation data
  • cloning the gene and determining its DNA sequence

4. Do the Experiment and Collect Data

5. Analyze the Data

• Does the data fit the hypothesis
  • If yes, state a new hypothesis based on your results
  • If no, restate your original hypothesis and retest