Cookie-ases: Interactive Models for Teaching Genotype-Phenotype Relationships

Several hands-on and wet laboratory activities have been proposed to model the genetic concepts of genotypes and phenotypes and their relationship. The exercise presented in this article is a novel, time effective, student-centered, role-playing activity in which students learn about the intricate c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American biology teacher 2006-05, Vol.68 (5), p.e48-e53
Main Author: Seipelt, Rebecca L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry
Demonstrations (Educational)
Genetics
Hands on Science
Heredity
Higher Education
Lesson Plans
ON LINE INQUIRY & INVESTIGATION
Physical Characteristics
Role Playing
Science Activities
Science Instruction
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Summary:Several hands-on and wet laboratory activities have been proposed to model the genetic concepts of genotypes and phenotypes and their relationship. The exercise presented in this article is a novel, time effective, student-centered, role-playing activity in which students learn about the intricate connection between genotype and phenotype by exploring the fundamental effect of mutation on protein function beginning with a very real and human phenotype, albinism. This exercise is based on a long established role-playing model of enzyme kinetics by allowing students to act out the role of enzyme (Oreo-ase). However, in this model exercise, instead of learning only about the enzyme, students learn about the genes and mutations, bringing this model to its full genetic extension. This exercise can be adapted easily to students of various grade levels. (Contains 7 figures.)
ISSN:0002-7685
1938-4211
DOI:10.1894/0038-4909%282006%2968%5Be48%3ACIMFTG%5D2.0.CO%3B2