Genetics - Karyotype Identification

Karyotype Identification

Teacher: Carol Thibodeau
Subject: cytogenetics, birth defects, DNA technology
Grade Level(s): 10
Target Audience: Biology II
Materials Needed: handouts, scissors, tape or glue
Class Time: 1 class period
Brief Summary: Students are put into groups and each is given an unknown picture of chromosomes from an individual. The students are asked to lake a karyotype from their chromosomes and diagnose the genetic problem (if there is one).
Student Objective(s): To play a role: each group symbolizes the lab person who gets the chromosomes from a real person with the purpose of diagnosing a genetic condition. The group has one chance and the paper they pass in is their diagnosis.
Integration (tying it all together): The students have done units on DNA and RNA, genetics, birth defects, and DNA technology. This is a quick exercise that puts diagnosing genetic conditions into perspective.
Description of Activities: 1.) Cut out the chromosomes. 2.) Tape into homologous pairs on a separate piece of paper. 3.) Make a diagnosis from the karyotype. 4.) Pass in sheets with diagnosis.