Inheritance (Topic D3.2)

📄Old School Worksheet (Recommended): Punnett Squares (💁)

We don’t do worksheets often, but Punnett Squares (aka test crosses) are just one of those things you get better at with practice. Complete at least one of the following Punnett Square Practice worksheets: 

• Worksheet 1 (Best for DP Bio)
• Worksheet 2 (Best for beginners to Punnett squares)

📄Old School Worksheet (Recommended): Sex-Linked Genes (💁) Here again are a few more worksheet options for genetics, this time with sex-linked genes. Complete each one solo, and submit to G. Classroom.

• Worksheet for practice w/sex-linked genes
• Worksheet #2 for practice w/sex-linked genes

📄Case Study (Recommended): Pedigree Practice: Help Steve Solve his Family Mystery (💁)

This is the (true?) story of Steve Thacker’s, and the mystery of several members of his family having two pinkie fingers on one hand. Read his story and construct a pedigree to solve his family’s ongoing mystery.

📄Old School Worksheet: Pick the Risk – Modeling Genetic Disease within a Family (💁/ 👬max: 2)

Imagine you are a researcher investigating heart disease – you are following 6 specific genes to determine which ones contribute to hereditary heart disease. Use different colored pom poms (or molymods, if those are available) to represent the genes, and carry out a model of this disease and inheritance. As you complete the task, print out and complete the final page of the document.

Other (practice quiz): Mendel’s Peas and the Nature of the Gene (💁) [Connections to Topics 1 & 2 – test your progress!]

At the time that Mendel did his experiment on pea plants, he had no idea what chromosomes and genes actually were. That, of course, has all changed today – we know exactly where to find the exact gene that determined the plant characteristics Mendel observed. Go back and experience Mendel’s work, but this time, armed with 21st century knowledge on genetics. Then, test your knowledge on genetics and a whole chunk of other IB Bio Topics.

Extra: Review Mendelian Genetics

Extra: Observable Genetics in Humans 

ⓟ/ⓦ (+NOS connection): Be Bloody Grateful You Live Now, and Not Back Then (💁/ 👬max: 3) 

In the 1660s, a physician named Richard Lower attempted one of the first blood transfusions, but did so from a sheep to a human. Shockingly, nothing happened. This result unfortunately spawned a generation of curious scientists throughout Europe – they began transfusing just about anything that sounded interesting in humans. This included milk, wine, beer, mercury, and blood from just about every animal you can think of. A lot of people died, making transfusions a taboo medical practice for the next 150 years. Read this excerpt from Bill Bryson’s The Body, then podcast a response to this chapter in history, explaining: 1) What happens to red blood cells when different types are transfused; 2) Why transfusing foreign substances other than blood is a bad idea; and 3) How bad methods can create taboos that stall scientific progress. 

ⓟ/ⓦ: Do Children Have the Right to Know if they carry the Huntington’s Disease Gene? (💁/ 👬 max: 3 [podcast only])

It’s a very simple but difficult question: do children have the right to know if they carry the gene for a terminal disease? And if so, when should they know? Read this article or this article and discuss: 1) What kind of genetic disease Huntington’s Disease is; 2) How Huntington’s Disease is inherited from one generation to the next; 3) How we are now able to identify the gene for Huntington’s Disease; and 4) If you think we should/should not tell young people they have the disease, and why.

ⓟ/ⓦ: The Patients who Don’t Want to be Cured 

(💁/ 👬 max: 3 [podcast only])

As CRISPR brings science into a new realm of curing diseases, scientists and the public are asking a tough question: If CRISPR reaches the point at which we can cure genetic diseases, would it be immoral not to do so? Some say yes, but others – including some of those suffering from genetic diseases – say no; their disease is part of their identity. Read the article, and discuss: 1) How genetic diseases are inherited from one generation to the next; 2) What CRISPR would need to do in order to cure a genetic disorder, such as hemophilia (ask if you need help!); 3) If you think it is ethical or unethical to not treat those sick from genetic disorders, and why.

ⓡ (+NOS): Teach Students the Biology of Their Time (💁)

There is hardly a single biology student on Earth who does not learn about Mendel and his peas. A professor at the University of Leeds is trying to change the way it is done — he has pointed out (quite accurately) that Mendel’s genes are an oversimplification of the way genes work, and that teaching this “old school” lesson is harming students’ understanding of 21st century science. Read his article and discuss: 1) In what ways are Mendel’s experiments outdated?;  2) What role does gene expression play in this?;  and 3) If you think Mendel should be removed or adapted from biology teaching curricula, and why.

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AHL Activities

📄 Practice with worksheets: Dihybrid Punnett Squares (💁) 

Practice perfecting the skill of dihybrid Punnett Squares. Answer key included.

📄 Practice with worksheets: Chi-Square Practice Problems (💁)

Practice makes perfect! Chi-square tests are one of the more complex math processes in DP Bio. Take the time to practice — complete this worksheet of practice problems. (Answer Key)

Ⓛ (virtual): Modeling Inheritance with Hairy Fingers 

(💁/ 👭 max 2 [podcast only])

Good genetics starts with hairy fingers. Or at least it does in this activity. Follow the instructions to calculate a theoretical ratio with “actual” (virtual) results for the gene that determines hairy fingers. Then use a random gamete generator to see how we can predict the chances of offspring inheriting certain traits from their parents. As an extension, try taking these results and completing a chi-square test to mathematically compare the results.  

Ⓛ: A Big, Ambitious Activity to Model Sex-Linked Inheritance  (💁/ 👬 max: 3)

Thomas Hunt’s experiments on the common fruit fly changed the face of genetics. Follow in the experimental footsteps of his work with this model experiment. This is a time-intensive option, so partner up and read through the document carefully. 

• Instructions and Questions – complete this! 
• Fruit Fly Cards (for printing + cutting)