What We Did
This unit taught us about DNA and genetics using the interesting method of forensic science and investigation. In the beginning of the project, the class was given a scenario about the murder of Carlton Comet, involving many people with very different backgrounds. Using forensic science and investigation methods, the task was to solve the crime and create a detailed, persuasive presentation with the end goal of being granted a warrant for arrest of that group's top suspect. The groups were all given evidence found at the crime scene, such as fingerprints, blood samples, and fibers, along with complete family history reports for everyone involved. We then went through a series of experiments that taught us how to use the evidence we were given to solve the crime, such as fingerprinting, figuring out how to test for specific blood types, ink chromatography, DNA fingerprinting, creating pedigrees, and working with karyotypes.
Content
Genotype: the entire genetic constitution of an individual
Phenotype: the constitution of observable characteristics of an individual from its changes from its environment.
Complete Dominance: an allele in a gene that is more powerful so the phenotype is always shown
Co-Dominance: both alleles of a gene contribute to the phenotype of an organism
Incomplete Dominance: situation in which one allele is not completely dominant over another so they mix
Gel Electrophoresis: a laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size
DNA Fingerprinting: a technique used to establish a connection between biological evidence and a suspect in a criminal investigation
Blood Typing: a test that is done to blood in order to determine the blood type (A+ A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O O-)
Pedigree: a layout of one's ancestry, in order to determine the probability of illness, or other genetic components.
Chromatography: a method of separating out materials from a mixture.
Karyotyping: a test to identify and evaluate the size, shape, and number of chromosomes in a sample of body cells. It is used to bring chromosomal disorders into the light by showing if a person has an extra or lacking amount of chromosomes. (Normal karyotype is 23 pairs of chromosomes.)
Phenotype: the constitution of observable characteristics of an individual from its changes from its environment.
Complete Dominance: an allele in a gene that is more powerful so the phenotype is always shown
Co-Dominance: both alleles of a gene contribute to the phenotype of an organism
Incomplete Dominance: situation in which one allele is not completely dominant over another so they mix
Gel Electrophoresis: a laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size
DNA Fingerprinting: a technique used to establish a connection between biological evidence and a suspect in a criminal investigation
Blood Typing: a test that is done to blood in order to determine the blood type (A+ A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O O-)
Pedigree: a layout of one's ancestry, in order to determine the probability of illness, or other genetic components.
Chromatography: a method of separating out materials from a mixture.
Karyotyping: a test to identify and evaluate the size, shape, and number of chromosomes in a sample of body cells. It is used to bring chromosomal disorders into the light by showing if a person has an extra or lacking amount of chromosomes. (Normal karyotype is 23 pairs of chromosomes.)
Who Killed Carlton Comet?
who_is_carelton_comet’s_murderer_.pdf | |
File Size: | 2633 kb |
File Type: |
Reflection
Overall, this project was helpful in allowing me to expand an further develop my understanding of DNA and genetics. MY group and I worked very well together and had a lot of fun doing the project. I believe that we managed our time very well and were extremely productive when we needed to be. We got everything done in time, and everyone contributed equally to the project. Also, my group members were very helpful in helping each other out when a concept or instruction wasn't clear. Although nothing major went wrong during this project, there was still room for improvement on a couple things. For example, I knew my group members pretty well so we would get off task sometimes during the more boring parts of the project. Because we did a lot of labs that included waiting around for results or equipment, there was more time to easily get off topic. However we still got everything done on time. I could also have stepped up and been more of a leader at times. The group had a lot of strong leader type personalities, so I had a tendency to step back at times. This was helpful at times, but there were also moments where leadership was needed, and I could have provided it. However, I still learned a lot from the unit an found the project interesting.