Virtual Exploration 1. Basic Principles of Genetics
[http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/default.htm]
"Basic Principles of Genetics" from the Anthropology Department at Palomar College. Read through the sections on 'Mendel's Genetics' and 'Probability of Inheritance.' Additional helpful information about the allele can be found on an About.com biology basics link:
[http://biology.about.com/library/glossary/bldefalleles.htm]
Now click on the link to 'Exceptions to Simple Inheritance.'- Read through the topic and familiarize yourself with the diseases mentioned that have a genetic component (diabetes, Huntington's Disease, Angelman syndrome, or multiple sclerosis).
- Learn more about the many varieties of genetic disorders on the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center site "Genetic Disorders Library:" [http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/whataregd/] The site categorizes disorders into three levels: Single Gene Disorders, Chromosome Abnormalities, and Multifactorial Disorders.
- Choose the Klinefelter Syndrome link.
- Go also to the Image File graphic below. (You will need to have Adobe Flash Player to play the link.)
Be sure to read through the entire section on Klinefelter.- Create a test question based on Klinefelter Syndrome. (Your question might focus on the cause of the disease, symptoms, or treatment.)
- Compose three possible answers, one correct and two incorrect. Make sure the incorrect answers sound plausible, not impossible!
- Go back and explore each of the other levels of genetic disorders and diseases you may not have heard of before.
Virtual Exploration 2. Genome News Network
[http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/]
Look at the "Genome News Network" home page. The site provides information on genomes of the world as well as genome basics and other timely news stories, including bio terrorism, cloning, and stem cell research.
Go to the 'News Stories' categories. Select the link for stem cells: [http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/categories/index/stemcells.php?s=0&n=15] - Review the articles listed.
- What are some of the major issues concerning stem cells?
- Which are the more controversial ones?
- To learn more about stem cells basics, go to the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center site ‘Stem Cells in The Spotlight' link: [http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/stemcells/]
Click on the 'Quick Guide to Sequenced Genomes.'
[http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/sequenced_genomes/genome_guide_p1.shtml] The site offers detailed information on more than 180 organisms that have already been sequenced since 1995. The organisms are each described and links are provided to explore the sequencing centers and scientific abstracts concerning research- What are the two factors identified that can cause damage to DNA, resulting in genetic mutation?
- What built-in safeguards does an organism have to prevent or fix genetic abnormalities?
- If there are repair mechanisms in place and if probability of mutation at a particular locus is low, why is there a high probability of mutation in each individual?
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