Genetics: Traits• Label a Page in

your SN • Add it to your TOC

What is a Trait?• Can you define it?

• Can you think of any examples?

Definition:(write it down)

Trait: A genetically determined characteristic (anything about you

that is determined by your DNA/genes)

Copy the following “Trait Table” into your science

notebook.Trait My Phenotype

12345678

As we go through the presentation, fill out the table by listing each trait

and then describing yourself.

Trait My PhenotypeEx. Dimples No dimples

Trait = Dimples

Dimples or No dimples?

Indentations in your cheek when you smile are called dimples, and these are

affected by your genes.

Trait = Thumb Dominance

Right-thumbed or Left thumbed?

Left-thumbed Right-thumbed

When you clasp your hands together and interlock your fingers, genetics decide which position is most natural for you.

Look for the thumb that is on top.

Trait = Tongue rolling

Tongue rolling is a genetic trait certain people have that allows them to curl their tongue.

Can roll tongue or Can’t roll tongue?

Trait = Hitchhiker’s thumb

These two images show the difference between a regular thumb and a "Hitchhiker’s thumb,” which, because of a genetic difference, can

bend further backwards.

Hitchhiker’s Thumb Regular Thumb

Hitchhiker’s thumb or Regular thumb?

Trait = Widow’s Peak

The gene that controls the shape of our hairline comes in two versions. The dominant version gives you a

widow's peak. The recessive version gives a straight hairline.

Widow’s Peak or No Widow’s Peak?

Trait = Earlobes

Some people have earlobes that hang more freely (A).Others have lobes that are attached directly to the face (B).

Detached or Attached?

Trait = Freckles

Freckles vary in severity, but some people have them and others do not.

Freckles or No freckles?

Trait = Eye Color

Eye color is an inherited trait influenced by more than one gene.

What color are your eyes?(Brown, Blue, Green, Hazel, etc.)

Check to make sure you have each of the

following filled out:Trait Mr. Hill’s

PhenotypeDimples (Yes)

Thumb dominance (Right)

Tongue rolling (Yes)

Hitchhiker’s thumb (Yes)

Widow’s Peak (No)

Earlobes (Attached)

Freckles (No)

Eye Color (Blue)

Now try to find your “Trait Twin”

Using your t-chart, you will walk around the room and try to find someone with the exact same list of traits as you.

If you find someone, sit down next to each other.

If you can’t find a match, don’t worry!

Trait Twin ReflectionAnswer questions 1-4

1. Were you able to find a perfect match? Yes or No

If Yes:2. What other traits do you have in common?3. What are some traits that you do not share?4. Why do you think you are not exactly the same as this person?

If No:2. What was the closest you got to finding a partner (how many traits did you share out of 8)?3. What traits were the most difficult to match?4. Where might you look to find someone who shares all of these traits?

Computer labComputer lab

Genetics Tour

• Start a page titled “Tour of the Basics”

• This is where you will attach the worksheet once it is completed.

(Click above for link)

Start a page titled Genetics Concept Map.

Add it to your TOC.

We will begin with Vocabulary.

Prepare to write

Vocabulary- Cell: the smallest unit of life- Chromosome: a bundle of coiled DNA containing many genes - DNA: an instruction manual for our bodies- Gene: one individual instruction- Trait: a genetically determined characteristic- Allele: an alternate form of a gene

Traits are determined by

our genes.- A trait is a genetically

determined characteristic.

Genes are determined by

our DNA.- DNA is an instruction manual for

our bodies.- A gene is one individual

instruction.- Alleles are different forms of a

gene.

DNA is contained in our

chromosomes.- Chromosomes are the package that contains

the instructions.

Chromosomes are contained in

our cells.- Cells are the smallest

unit of life.

Karyotype

- A “blueprint” of our chromosomes

Female Karyotype

Male Karyotype

If there’s a “Y”, it’s a GUY

XX = FemaleXY = Male

(Boys are weird!)

Karyotype with Down’s Syndrome

(Trisomy 21)

Review

The Encyclopedia Metaphor

Cell

Like a library, everything is housed within a cell. Not just information is

found here, but also structures.

Chromosome

Like a single book. Chromosomes are the package for one group of information. It

CONTAINS the material.

DNABasketball

Like the words in the book. Our DNA has all of the information needed to define the

characteristics of something.

Gene

How to Shoot a

Basketball

Like a paragraph for a specific skill (shooting a basketball). A gene specifies

how to do a task.

Allele

How to Shoot a

Basketball

Like a different version of a paragraph about a specific skill. An allele is an alternative

form of a gene.

Basketball How to

Shoot a Basketb

allHow to Shoot a Basketb

all

Chromosome

DNAGene Allele

Cell