The homeobox genes that define the basic body plan of mice and fruit flies are illustrated in this graphic from The Human Evolution Coloring Book by Adrienne Zihlman. The accompanying article describes how these genes act as molecular architects in all animal species.

This laboratory investigates one form of genetic recombination in bacteria. This process, called conjugation, occurs when one bacteria transfers DNA to another bacteria. Two different strains of Escherichia coli are used: an Hfr strain with the F factor integrated into the bacterial chromosome acting as the donor, and an F-strain lacking the fertility factor acting as a recipient. The F-strain is auxotrophic for certain genetic markers and the ordered transfer of markers from the Hfr strain to the F-strain is used to map gene locations on the bacterial chromosome.

This interactive feature provides a microscopic view of the 24 Human chromosomes. Each chromosome is labeled with the names of some of the genetic conditions and traits associated with particular regions on that chromosome.

Students reinforce their knowledge that DNA is the genetic material for all living things by modeling it using toothpicks and gumdrops that represent the four biochemicals (adenine, thiamine, guanine, and cytosine) that pair with each other in a specific pattern, making a double helix. They investigate specific DNA sequences that code for certain physical characteristics such as eye and hair color. Student teams trade DNA "strands" and de-code the genetic sequences to determine the physical characteristics (phenotype) displayed by the strands (genotype) from other groups. Students extend their knowledge to learn about DNA fingerprinting and recognizing DNA alterations that may result in genetic disorders.

In this article, Dr. Eric Lander of the Human Genome Project comments on the use of DNA as an identification tool -- the theoretical versus the practical results.

This exercise will give students an interactive opportunity to develop their understanding of DNA structure, how it is packaged into chromosomes, and the mechanisms of transcription and translation.

Take a peek at the artistic side of science in this virtual exhibit, featuring work by Eva Sutton, Alexis Rockman and Sidney Harris.

Genetics is the branch of biology that studies the means by which traits are passed on from one generation to the next and the causes of similarities and differences between related individuals. In this course, the student will take a close look at chromosomes, DNA, and genes. The student will learn how hereditary information is transferred, how it can change, how it can lead to human disease and be tested to indicate disease, and much more. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: give a brief synopsis of the history of genetics by explaining the fundamental genetic concepts covered in this course as they were discovered through time; identify the links between Mendel's discoveries (often represented by Punnett squares) with mitosis and meiosis, dominance, penetrance, and linkage; recognize the role of simple probability in genetic inheritance; apply advanced genetic concepts, including genetic mapping and transposons, to practical applications, including pedigree analysis and corn kernel color; identify the cause behind several genetic diseases currently prevalent in society (such as color blindness and hemophilia) and recognize the importance of genetic illness throughout history; compare and contrast advanced concepts of chromosomal, bacterial, human, and population genetics; recognize the similarities and differences between nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial DNA; describe the fundamentals of population genetics, calculate gene frequencies in a give scenario, predict future gene frequencies over future generations, and define the role of evolution in gene frequency shift over time; recall, analyze, synthesize, and build on the foundational material to then learn the cutting-edge technological advances in genetics, including genomics, population and evolutionary genetics, and QTL mapping. (Biology 305)

In this article by An Meeker-O'Connell, discover how DNA evidence is processed before it goes to court.

This 2-hour laboratory exercise isolates chromosomes from bone marrow. After the chromosomes are isolated, they are stained and chromosomal spreads are examined microscopically to establish diploid number and chromosome morphology. This technique is applicable to all small mammals.

This figure from Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications by Ricki Lewis identifies techniques used to collect cells from fetuses for genetic testing.

This exercise provides a hands on introduction to the preparation of human karyotypes. Students practice karyotype preparation using Biophotos of normal male and female chromosome smears. The students then prepare a karyotype using a Biophoto of chromosomes from a Down syndrome individual or from a Down syndrome carrier.