Genetics - Karyotypes & Chromosome Inheritance

Karyotypes & Chromosome Inheritance

Teacher: Sandra McCreight: Omaha, NE
Subject: Genetics
Grade Level(s): 10 11 12
Target Audience: Biology II, AP Biology, Genetics
Materials Needed: paper, scissors, tape or glue
Class Time: 3 periods
Brief Summary: This activity enables students to become familiar with genetic loci and linking. It reemphasizes basic Mendelian inheritance while stressing independent assortment and probabilities. Students construct karyotypes and determine % of chromosomal inheritance from grandparents.
Student Objective(s): Familiarize Mendelian genetics terms, locate and name loci on chromosomes, karyotype construction, inheritance patterns through families.
Description of Activities: Students determine their karyotype (fictitious) for a set of traits by flipping a coin (dominant or recessive) for homologues chromosomes. They also locate these genes on the specific chromosome in the identified locus. Each student pairs with another to flip a coin to determine which chromosome from both maternal & paternal karyotype ends up in the new baby. The baby's karyotype is then constructed and the percentage of chromosomes that come from each grandparent is computed. Follow-up questions are provided.
Integration (tying it all together): Good activity for students who are having difficulty with polygenic inheritance and independent assortment. Brings together Mendelian inheritance with modern genetic concepts.

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