Traits

Heredity and Traits Think Quest

1.    Go to the following website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/

2.    Click on “What is Heredity?”  Summarize what heredity is.

They are the genes from parents that are passed onto their offspring. These genes can be found in the DNA of the first 46 chromosomes we are given. For the child to be healthy, it needs to receive exactly one of each chromosome.

3.    Click on “What is a Trait?”  Summarize what a trait is in your own words.

Traits are notable characteristic of someone, and are passed throughout generations. Physical traits are noticeable, as they deal with appearance, and are inherited. They can also be changed by the environment, like the sun changes hair color. Behavioral traits deal more with instincts, and are most notable in sheepdog, and how well they herd. These traits can be changed, through learning. People can also inherit “disease traits” of their parents. This can be changed, as well, by diet and exercise. Traits that are inherited are either homozygous or heterozygous, which deal with the alleles.  Complex traits are also common, which show a blend of multiple alleles.

4.    Click on “What is a Chromosome?”  Describe the structure of a chromosome.
Chromosomes are made up of DNA, which are wrapped compactly around proteins. Humans have 46, or 23 pairs. This is not the same for all organisms.

5.    Click on “How Do Scientists Read Chromosomes?”  Describe how karyotypes are used.

Size, banding, and centromere position.

6.    Click on “Make A Karyotype.”  Do this activity.  Describe how you knew where to place each chromosome.

Based on their size.

7.    How do scientists predict genetic disorders?

8.    What are telomeres and what is significant about them?

They are the ends of chromosomes, and they help protect them from sticking to each other.

9.    How is genealogy tracked in humans?

Family tree, and telomeres through the blood cells.

10. Look at your own avatar. 

a.     Are the traits you listed for your avatar consistent with what you’ve learned today?  Why or why not? 

b.    Based on what you’ve learned today, do you need to adjust anything about your avatar’s traits or its habitat?  Explain.

c.     Create a genealogy for your avatar going back at least to the grandparents.  Sketch this here or on a separate piece of paper.  Label at least one of the traits on your genealogy.