Honors Biology Webquest

Introduction

Honors Biology Webquest

By:

Drake Hayes

Task

Instructions/Tasks

This is a webquest dedicated to changing to changing your pespective on the world of genetics.  Here you'll be taking links to several websites in a quest tofind the answers to multiple questions I will ask you surrounding genetics.  The questions will not only take good comprehension skills, but they will have youreflect, analyze, and describe IN DETAIL.  Always to remember to enjoy yourself because this isn't just a webquest to educate you, but it will make youthink about what makes you YOU.  Enjoy!

Process

Honors Biology Web Quest                                                                                 

Genetics

Questions

 

 

Basics on Genetics

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/genetics?s=t

 

1. Define genetics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://history.nih.gov/exhibits/genetics/sect1a.htm

 

2. What are genes and what do they do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Where are genes contained?  Where are those found?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Father of Modern Genetics

 

http://www.biography.com/people/gregor-mendel-39282#synopsis

 

4. Who is known as “The Father of Modern Genetics?  Why, what did he do?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Describe his experiments.

 

 

It’s Just Hereditary

 

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/inheritance/intro/

 

6. How are sperm and egg cells different from the rest of cells in our bodies?  Why is this important to the conception of a child?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Why are children unique from their parents and siblings?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identical vs. Fraternal

 

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Fraternal_Twins_vs_Identical_Twins

 

8. How do identical and fraternal twins develop?

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Why might Identical twins genetically not be 100% the same?

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUTANTS!

 

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/mutationsanddisorders/genemutation

 

10. What is a genetic mutation?

 

 

 

11. Is there more than one type of genetic mutations?  Describe the causes each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.makgene.com/index.cfm?fa=content.display&content_id=27

 

12. Are mutations good or bad?  Explain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Human Genome

 

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/WhoAmI/FindOutMore/Yourgenes/Whatwasthehumangenomeproject/WhatdidtheHumanGenomeProjectfind/Howmanygenesdoyouhave.aspx  

 13. How many genes do people have?  Why was this surprising to scientists?

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.geneplanet.com/genetics/interesting-genetic-facts.html/  

 

14. How much genetic material do people share with mice?  Does this surprise you?      Explain?

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. How many genes does rice have?  Do people or rice have the most genes?  By how much?

 

 

 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Genome_Project

 

16. What was the Human Genome Project and what was its goal?  Did it succeed in its intentions?  If so, when?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honey, Where are My Genes?

 

http://geneticmap.net/benefits.php

 

17. What were the areas of application that were listed that genetic mapping could be applied to?  Describe how genetic mapping could benefit each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethics and Morals

 

http://genetics.thetech.org/about-genetics/ethics

 

18. What is xenotransplantation?  What concerns does this raise?  Do you think it’s right or wrong?  Explain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. Why are any alterations to the DNA of somatic cells not passed on to later generations?  Could this be done?  What are the pros and cons of doing this?

 

 

 

Genetic Careers

 

http://www.tsalliance.org/pages.aspx?content=607

 

20. What are genetic counselors?  Does this appeal to you?  Explain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21. What are Ph.D. Medical Geneticists?  Does this appeal to you?  Explain.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Conclusion

I hope you now see the twisty, curvey road of genetics now.  You've learned the basics of what genes are and what they do. You now know that you and I are far from the top of the genetic ladder, but people have toyed and tinkered with the foundations of organisms.  Many ethical and moral questions followed in its wake, and there are many proffessionals tackling these problems.  You have had the opportunity to reflect on some of these questions, and I hope it has been an enjoyable yet educational experiance for you!