Using Pedigrees to Explore Mendelian Genetics

Abstract

Genetics is one of the foundational concepts in the biological sciences.  Genetics includes the study of how physical characteristics are passed on from one generation to the next.  An understanding of inheritance will allow students to make connections among many levels of biology, from DNA and proteins to evolutionary theory.   Students who complete the activity will achieve these learning goals: Describe how physical characteristics are inherited, using the vocabulary of genetics, including terms in bold in this activity; (2) Make predictions about inheritance patterns and support their predictions with data from the models; (3) Interpret and transform information, particularly by describing patterns of inheritance in pedigrees and relating the patterns to Mendelian crosses. [Process Skill:  Information processing].

Level: Undergraduate

Setting: Classroom

Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Biology

Course:  Non-majors or Introductory Biology

Keywords: Mendelian genetics, gene, allele, genotype, phenotype, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive.