Category: Genetics
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Case Study – The Genetics of Eye Color
A case study exploring the genetics of eye color. Students review a pedigree and examine the role of HERC2 and OCA2 in eye color inheritance.
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Investigation: DNA, Proteins, and Mutations
Explore DNA mutations by transcribing and translating DNA code. Changes in the code result in point mutations, frameshift, and nonsense mutations.
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Color Mutant Homeobox Genes in Drosophila
Students color an image of a fruit fly showing the locations of Hox gene expression. Worksheet includes descriptions of known mutations, like Ubx and Antp.
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Multiple Allele Traits in Rabbit Coat Color
Students practice genetics of multiple allele traits as they study coat colors in rabbits: black, chinchilla, Himalayan, white.
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Investigation: Compare DNA from Different Samples
Students extract DNA from several samples of fruit, like strawberries and kiwi, and then discuss why some have more DNA than others.
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The Genetics of Tortoiseshell and Calico Cats
Explore the genetics of tortoiseshell and calico cats with students. Includes worksheets for students to practice sex-linked genetic crosses.
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How Did the Cardinal Get His Red Feathers (CER)
Based on a study from Nature that examines the role of enzymes in red coloration. Enzyme pathway converts yellow carotenoids into red ketocarotenoids.
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Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes – Lac Operon
Students examine graphics showing the lac-operon and the trp operon. The graphics illustrate how the operons are turned on and off.
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Identifying Penguin Species with Restriction Enzymes
In this simple exercise, students simulate how restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis can be used to identify different species of penguins.
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Genome Wide Association Studies in Dog Coats
Data examines single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that indicate a strong or weak correlation to coat length and texture in different dogs.
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Reinforcement: DNA, RNA, and Sickle Cell
Students practice DNA and RNA by completing this simple fill-in-the-blank worksheet that focuses on vocabulary related to DNA structure and function.
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Practice Punnett Squares with Skinny Pigs
“Skinny Pig Genetics!” Hairlessness in guinea pigs is a recessive trait. Students practice Punnett squares with this simple worksheet.
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Practice Identifying the Phases of Meiosis
Practice and reinforcement of the phases of meiosis 1 and 2. Identify major events that happen in each phase and drag images into the correct position.
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Case Study: Dogs, SNPs, and Patellar Luxation
Students learn how a genetic polymorphism (SNP) is associated with a common problem in chihuahua dogs where their patella slips out of position.
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How DNA Fingerprints Are Used to Solve Crimes
Students learn how DNA fingerprints are made using gel electrophoresis. They identify which suspects match the DNA evidence.