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Deep Dive: Genetics
Topic (45) Construct an explanation about influences on biodiversity due to selected factors. (HS-LS4-2
Genetics is the study of genes and heredity.
The discoverer of genetics is Gregor Mendel, a late 19th-century scientist and Augustinian friar. Mendel studied “trait inheritance”, patterns in the way traits are handed down from parents to offspring.
He observed that organisms (pea plants) inherit traits by way of discrete “units of inheritance.” This expression still used today, is a somewhat ambiguous definition of what is referred to as a gene.
Material
Day 1 – Introduction
- Student Work Packet – topic 45
Day 2 – Virtual Textbook
- Read Biology 45 – Heredity
- Read Biology 45 – Asexual reproduction
- Read Biology 45 – Sexual reproduction
- Read from physiology textbook if available
Enrichment
- Activity 15 – Write letter
- Activity 20 – Venn diagram
- Activity 24 – Create matrix
- Activity 03 – Make slides
- cK-12 – Molecular evidence for evolution
3:12 Genetics 101 | National Geographic
11:45 Genetics
16:03 Genetic Engineering Will Change Everything Forever – CRISPR
Compare Contrast and Debate
Paraphrased and summarized from NDSU.edu (see full article).
Laboratory biological scientists sometimes perform procedures called “genetic screening.” Doing this can help determine if a person has a genetic disorder. Sometimes screening can help predict whether someone is likely to develop a disease base on their genetic makeup.
For example, so people might want to be tested if their family has a history of a particular disease. For example, Huntington’s disease or breast cancer can be tendencies if other family members have had these conditions.
Couples who are planning a family might be concerned about the possibility of passing on a genetic trait to their offspring. This last type of screening can look at the parent’s genotype or look at the genotype of the fetus or newborn.
Genetic testing is a complex process. Test results depend on reliable laboratory procedures and accurate translation of results. Tests also vary in sensitivity. Test Interpretation is also complex. Interpretation is complicated even for trained physicians and other health care specialists.
- Position A. Some forms of genetic testing are okay, but we should not explore genetic testing beyond the examples provided in this article.
- Position B. Genetic testing is a tremendous help to society. The discipline should continue to identify new ways to use the process and results.
Instructor Resources
Standard Daily Material
- Day 1 – Standard material – introduction day
- Day 2 – Standard material – reading day
- Day 3 – Standard material – make a presentation
- Day 4 – Standard material – give a presentation
- Extra! – Enrichment and remediation options
Other Topic Specific Resources
- cK-12 Molecular evidence for evolution
- LS45 Genetics (tnsp)
- LS45 Recombinant DNA (tns)
- LS45 Transcription & translation (tns)
Special Notes and Notices
Instructor Emphasis:
- Science & Engineering Practice: Ask questions and define problems.
- Cross-Cutting Concept: Systems and System Models.
Emphasize HS-LS4-2 Construct and explanation based on evidence that biological diversity is influenced by (1) the potential for a species to increase in number (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction (3) competition for limited resources (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
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