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Biology
Core Activity
| Standard # 3520-04Students will
evaluate the significance and impact of genetic
alteration on living organisms. Objective # 3520-0402Describe how mutations affect genes and genetic expression. ILOs:Use basic science process skills by making observations, categorizing information, using reference materials and making estimations based on current knowledge. Manifest scientific attitudes and interests by demonstrating curiosity and by reading scientific literature in order to gain greater understanding. |
Topic: Heredity 3520-04 |
Description of Activity
Activity Title: What's wrong here?
Activity Overview/Duration: The students will observe a
karyotype of an unknown genetic disorder and spend two days in
associated research.
Materials: Provide copies of various karyotypes, scissors,
glue sticks, paper, rulers, tape, reference materials including
visual references such as posters and any other materials or
equipment students might need.
Background Information
Students should be familiar with cells, chromosomes, chromosome
numbers, mitosis, meiosis and related concepts.
If you personally have little background experience with
karyotyping and the literature available, begin with a good
college human genetics text for your own study and for ideas for
student materials. Some companies such as Carolina Biological
Supply also produce materials that can used or adapted for use in
this type of activity.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Don't tell them too much - ensure the inquiry experience. (i.e.,
if possible, let students discover the karyotyping process on
their own. Don't necessarily tell them how to pair chromosomes.
This is largely a research activity but students can still feel a
great measure of discovery if you offer only as much direction as
is absolutely necessary. The direction you give individuals may
vary greatly.)
Make sure students are aware of the materials available for their
use.
It is recommended that students work in pairs during this
exercise.
Development of Laboratory Skills and Tools
The skills required for this exercise are quite elementary.
Remind students to be careful with sharp objects.
Students will most likely cut, paste, identify and research their
assigned karyotype.
Invitation to Learn
Provide students with a karyotype and state, "Here's what
makes this person. What's wrong here? Why?
Summary of Learning
1.What made you group the striped Xs together the way you did?
2.What do you think the Xs did to this individual?
3.(Note for the teacher: This question assumes some
pre-teaching of critical terms.) If your karyotype contained an
odd number of chromosomes what caused this?
A.Crossing over
B.Nondisjunction
C.Gene linkage
D.Point mutation
4.What is the normal diploid number of chromosomes in a human?
A.48
B.92
C.23
D.46
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Updated September 24 1997 by Michelle Dumas