Category: Genetics
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Peas, Please! – A Practice Set on Mendelian Genetics
Students practice assigning genotypes (PP, Pp, or pp) to different traits based on whether the trait is dominant or recessive. They set up Punnett squares, and determine the phenotypic ratios of the offspring.
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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.