Videos, interactive activities, and articles explaining the influences that cause parts of the genome to be turned on and off. Learn how nutrition, behavior, stress and other factors determine gene expression.
This pathway explores how we inherit our phenotypes and the origin of genetic diseases.
The Geniverse software is being developed as part of a five-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. Still in its early stages, a Beta version of the software is currently being piloted in six schools throughout New England. We invite you to try the current Beta version, keeping in mind that you may encounter errors or pages that are not fully functional. If you encounter any problem, it may help to refresh or reload the web page.
Hemochromatosis is an inherited genetic disease that causes the body to absorb too much iron. This website provides information about treatment, causes, inheritance, testing, symptoms, and even interviews with people who have the disease. It's a great interactive multimedia website.
See how a Punnett square is a special tool used to predict the offspring from a cross, or mating between two parents.
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Learn about heredity and classical genetics, dominant and recessive traits, and heterozygous and homozygous genotypes. [17:27]
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This initial module from the GENIQUEST project introduces the dragons and the inheritance of their traits, then delves into meiosis and its relationship to inherited traits. Students examine the effects of choosing different gametes on dragon offspring, and learn about genetic recombination by creating recombination events to generate specific offspring from two given parent dragons. Students learn about inbred strains and breed an inbred strain of dragons themselves.
This resource explains Mendel's first law (Law of Segregation) in detail. Includes Mendel's original experiments with results and conclusions.
This article on phenylketonuria is organized into several sections including, "Clinical Description," "Molecular Geneticsm" amedicalnd "Population Genetics." Read about how this genetic disease affects the human body and how doctors diagnose and treat patients through brief summaries of various medical research studies.
In this activity students analyze a familys pedigrees to make a claim based on evidence about mode of inheritance of a lactose intolerance trait, determine the most likely inheritance pattern of a trait, and analyze variations in DNA to make a claim about which variants are associated with specific traits. This activity serves as a supplement to the film Got Lactose? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture (http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/making-fittest-got-lactase-co-evolution-genes-and-culture). The film shows a scientist as he tracks down the genetic changes associated with the ability to digest lactose as adults. A detailed teachers guide that includes curriculum connections, teaching tips, time requirements, answer key and a student guide can be downloaded at http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/pedigrees-and-inheritance-lactose-intolerance. Six supporting resource and two click and learn activities are also found on the link.
The discovery of restriction enzymes and their applications in DNA analysis has proven to be essential for biologists and chemists. This lesson focuses on restriction enzymes and their applications to DNA analysis and DNA fingerprinting. Use this lesson and its associated activity in conjunction with biology lessons on DNA analysis and DNA replication.
An introduction to Mendelian Genetics and inheritance. [5:10]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
A three-day unit introduces heredity by helping students identify their own genetic traits and then leading them in an exploration of generational traits and variation. Find printable worksheets, data tables, and graphs, as well as options for adapting this middle-school lesson to the needs of younger and older students.
Assessment templates, videos, examples, lesson plans, and photos of student work that directly address standard MS-LS4-5: artificial selection.
Explains basic genetics concepts, including genes, DNA, chromosomes, sex chromosomes, how traits are inherited, genetic variation, cloning, and stem cells.