Introduction to Genetics
A Curricular Unit
Developed by
P.J. Foley

Objectives
     The learner will:

Overview of Curricular Unit
     The foundations for modern theories of genetics and evolution were established in a single decade of the 19th century.  Between 1859 and 1869, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species appeared, Gregor Mendel discovered the basic laws of heredity and Johann Friedrich Miescher found nucleic acids.
     This curricular unit intends to present detailed explanations of Mendel’s principles of heredity.  His experiments are described, and the laws of dominance and segregation are discussed.  The concept of the gene is related to Mendel’s “factor”.
     Basic concepts and vocabulary in genetics will be covered, including alleles, genotypes and phenotypes, probability, the Punnett square, the law of independent assortment, and the dihybrid cross.

Introduction
     Genetics is the branch of biology that studies the ways in which hereditary information is passed on from parents to offspring.  The first scientific study of heredity was carried out by Gregor Mendel in the 1800s, before much was known about either chromosomes or cell division.

Assignment:
Research the following URLs on the background of the study of genetics and Gregor Mendel.  Your assignment will be to write a 500 word biography on Gregor Mendel.  Avoid going into depth on his work, try to stay general in your descriptions.  Please produce your document in MS Word and email it to me as an attachment.

Assignment:
Review the following URL.  Tomorrow, in class, we will be doing the following lesson.  Familiarize yourself with the short story and be prepared to participate in the discussion. Principles of Genetics
    Pea plants were a good choice for Mendel's investigations.  They are easy to grow, and they mature quickly.  Different plants show sharply contrasting traits.  For example, some are tall; some are short.  Some have green pods; some have yellow pods.  Each pair of traits is easily seen.  In addition, the structure of the pea flower and its natural method of pollination make it easy to use in controlled experiments.  Pea flowers normally self pollinate because the stigma and anthers are enclosed by the petals.  This reduces cross pollination in nature.  By removing the stamens before they ripened, Mendel could prevent self pollination and cross pollinate the flower by dusting pollen from another plant onto the stigma.  If he wanted certain plants to self pollinate in the normal way, he left them alone.

Assignment:
Read through the URL describing some of the terminology used in genetics.  At the end of the text, there is a lesson.  Choose three partners and work together to complete the lesson to gain a deeper understanding of the terminology used in genetics.  At the end of the week, there will be a test on this unit.  One section of the test will cover strictly terminology.  Use this lesson as a study tool for the test at the end of the week.

Fundamentals of Genetics
    During meiosis, alleles separate; they are then paired with new homologous chromosomes at fertilization, producing heterozygous and homozygous combinations.  The concepts of probability and the Punnet square are useful in understanding the possible results of various genetic crosses.

Assignment:
Look up the following URLs.  On each of these sites, there are either virtual labs, practice sets or tutorials modeling the fundamentals of genetics.  Familiarize yourself with the concepts of probability and the Punnet square while practicing on these sites.

Other Concepts in Genetics
    Evolution itself begins with genetic change.  This change can be the result of a mutation in chromosomes or genes.  It may occur during the processes of gametogenesis or fertilization.  Any of these changes can cause variation in the next generation.  When the variation benefits the organism, it will become more and more prevalent in future generations.  Eventually, the genetic change may become part of a mainstream population.
    Current advances in molecular biology and genetics have been occurring at an unprecedented rate.  The newest techniques allow geneticists to study genes right down to the molecular level.  Mutations in specific genes or chromosomes can be viewed and understood more precisely.  The results of these studies, the growing technology around them, and the potential for understanding and influencing genetic situations border on revolutionary.

Assignment:
Your assignment will be to write a research paper on a relevant topic related to genetics.  Below is a "for starters..." list of URLs that you can use to start your research.  Some of the relevant topics may include:  genetic disorders, genetic engineering, the issue of cloning, genetic counseling, how genetics influences evolution, neurological genetic disorders, or the Human Genome Project.  Your research paper must be 5-7 pages in length and include at least 10 cited sources.  Please produce your paper in MS Word and email to me as an attachment.