Assignment
Create visual presentation about a specific trait (a birth mark, body feature, genetic disorder, or disease) considered Mendelian. That is, select an inherited trait that is governed by a single allele or location in a gene. Some of these can be disorders that include sickle-ell anemia, lactose intolerance, high blood pressure, certain types of dwarfism, and Tay-Sachs disease.
Research--Investigate the Mendelian Trait as your topic using information from your textbook, the Internet, or any other source to learn about it and, specially, how it affects the individual at the genetic level. At the same time consider the following questions as you conduct your research and as guides in your analysis:
1. How does this Mendelian Trait work at the genetic level? (In what gene is it locate?)
2. How is it inherited (i.e., passed on) from parent to offspring? (It is dominant, recessive or via one of the sex chromosomes?
3. How does the trait function at the genetic level? (What proteins does it produce or impede production of?)
4. How does the disorder affect the individual? (What does it do to the body?)
5. Are there any evolutionary implications of this trait? (Did it make sense to have this trait some time in the past? If not, can you propose or speculate a reason for existing?)
6. Can you think of any other pending questions?
a) Introduction (1-2 slides). Discuss what a Mendelian trait is and then introduce the one you selected.
b) Body (3-5 slides). Develop and discuss at least three aspects of your trait by presenting the information you collected in your research. (You may use the information from the questions above that fit your research, or you may propose your own questions).
c) Conclusion (1-2 slides). What has your analysis shown and what can we learn from it? Be creative and adventurous in your analysis.