There are many issues in the modern world of genetics, and some people are afraid that the science is advancing too quickly for ethics to keep up.
Each of us is made up of only a handful of genes, but we all look and act so differently! Post your babies on the class Flickr account
Hereditary dominance is not always easy to determine. One gene may influence many traits, and every trait is usually expressed by more that one gene. Some genes can even share dominance! A mutation is any alteration in the nuleotide sequence of the genetic code. These may be caused by damage (usually from radiation or mutagenic chemicals), errors in the transcription or replication process, or insertions or deletions by mobile genes (usually viruses). DNA and RNA are often called "the building blocks of life". They hold all of the genetic information that makes you, you! The Human Genome Project is mapping and identifying all of the genes (and the functions of those genes) of the human genome!
Pedigrees are charts that show the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a gene. Analysis of a pedigree using Mendelian laws of Inheritance can tell us if a trait has dominant or recessive patterns of inheritance. A pedigree is always labeled: Punnett Squares are diagrams that can predict the outcome of a cross breeding or experiment. We use them to determine the probability of offspring having a particular genotype and phenotype. Vocabulary: Genes Allele Genotype Phenotype Dominant Recessive Homozygous Heterozygous DNA RNA Protein Heredity Important Ideas: Law of independent assortment Law of segregation Mutation Crossing over Hardy-Weinberg principle Pedigree Punnett square Scientists: Gregor Mendel William Bateson Thomas Hunt Morgan Group 1: Allyson, Alphonso, Alanna, Alfred, Amy, Anton Group 2: Bonnie, Blanche, Bart, Blair, Bryson, Beatrice Group 3: Caelen, Christine, Clay, Callie, Cora, Chester Group 4: Douglas, Dotty, Deborah, Dean, Danny, Deloris Group 5: Edward, Elsa, Eric, Effie, Ezra, Elena Link to class wiki page: MrJohnBiologyWiki.com Unit: Genetics
Essential Question: Is who I am determined totally by my genes? Target audience:
Understanding Goals:
Oregon State Science Standards Addressed:
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